Solareff is positioning itself for significant growth over the next five years, with plans to expand its footprint and reach more than 1 gigawatt (GW) of installed solar capacity by 2030.
Speaking to Globe Post, CEO and co-founder Jaco Botha reflected on the company’s early beginnings, noting that Solareff entered the market in 2010-long before solar energy became mainstream in South Africa. At the time the company played a key role in developing what has since become a rapidly growing industry.
“We started the company back in 2010, before there was really anything on solar, especially in terms of rooftops. We helped build the industry to where it is today,” said Botha.
Since then, Solareff has grown into one of the leading players in the renewable energy space, delivering solutions across commercial, industrial, agricultural and mining sectors. Its services span solar generation, battery energy storage systems, and integrated backup solutions designed to ensure continuous and reliable power supply while reducing costs for clients.
A major milestone came in 2014 when the company completed one of its first large-scale rooftop solar projects-a 500-kilowatt installation at Clearwater Mall, which was among the largest of its kind at the time.
To date, Solareff has completed more than 500 projects, with a combined installed capacity exceeding 280 megawatts. The company has also made strides in energy storage, deploying systems that collectively account for over 50 megawatt-hours.
Looking ahead, Botha said the company’s focus will be on expanding solar plant development and enhancing smart energy solutions.
“Our goal is to ensure clients can access power from the most cost-effective source at any given time of the day,” he explained.
