Concentration photovoltaic (CPV) modules promise a more efficient, higher power output than traditional photovoltaic modules. This is achieved by concentrating sunlight onto a small 1 cm2 concentrator triple-junction (CTJ) InGaP/InGaAs/Ge cell by using high quality precision optics.

A paper published by... Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Read here....

Exosun, leading provider of solar tracking technologies for utility-scale ground-mounted solar plants, is pleased to announce the expansion of its international presence with the opening of a subsidiary in Cape Town. Exosun South Africa (Pty) Ltd’s local team will provide sales, engineering support, as well as training on installation and O&M of its products. The company is also committed to local manufacturing of its trackers, in full alignment with the South African local content policy.

After successfully deploying 230 MW of solar tracking systems in Europe and America, Exosun is now entering the South African market which is booming thanks to the country’s rapid economic development and increased electricity needs. In order to regulate and accelerate private investment in renewable energy, the South African government launched the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program in 2011 centered around RFP rounds.

“By establishing a subsidiary in Cape Town, we are able to optimally serve our customers based in South Africa with top-notch tracking systems and services adapted to their specific needs”, declares Paula Korkie, Exosun’s Business Development Manager in South Africa. “We are also developing partnerships with South African manufacturers to ensure high quality local production and reduce transportation costs.”

“In this region with high solar irradiation levels, there is a significant market for solar trackers and it was important for us to build our presence here. We are confident that our technology, scalable and adaptable to all project and land types, will answer the needs of local and international PV plant developers, owners and operators in South Africa and the surrounding countries “, comments Frédéric Conchy, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Exosun.

On this coming March 24 and 25, you will be able to meet Exosun’s South African team at our booth E22 at the Solar Show Africa, Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg.

- See more at: http://africanbrains.net/2015/01/26/exosun-expands-operations-solar-tracking-opens-subsidiary-south-africa/#sthash.Ktjt6dCw.dpuf

The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is testing the performance and durability of reflectors and receivers for solar power plants in Ouarzazate, Morocco and in Bokpoort, South Africa. The tests that the DLR researchers developed together with the Spanish energy research centre CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas) are among the tender specifications issued by general contractor SENER for selecting suppliers in the construction of the parabolic trough power plants. These quality controls are the first to permit an assessment of solar power plant component quality and longevity.

Read more: Testing components for solar power plants in Morocco and South Africa http://www.nanowerk.com/news2/green/newsid=34673.php#ixzz2vFjQxulE 
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CEF (SOC) Ltd on behalf of the Department of Energy proposes the establishment of a
1GW Solar Park in the //Khara hais Municipality (Upington) in the Northern Cape
Province. The proposed Solar Park is about 10 km west of Upington on the remaining
extent of Farm Klipkraal 451, within the jurisdiction of the //Khara Hais Local
Municipality.
The proposed Solar Park Initiative is envisaged to make use of different Solar
Technologies which among others could include photovoltaic (PV), Concentrating Solar
Power (CSP) and Parabolic trough solar thermal power generation technologies with a
total generating capacity of 1 GW. The feasibility study currently being conducted (Arup
(Pty) Ltd) on this site will inform the selection and recommendations on technologies to
be used.

Soitec, a world leader in generating and manufacturing revolutionary semiconductor materials for the electronics and energy industries, announced that the first students in its concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology training program have successfully completed the initial part of the curriculum. This CPV training program is the first one implemented in South Africa. Thanks to this initiative, students from the local community can acquire skills needed to work in the country’s growing solar industry.

The CPV training program was created by an agreement signed in 2011 by Soitec, the University of Cape Town and Northlink College, a nationally registered Further Education & Training Institution with a head office in Bellville.

As one of the successful companies selected by the South African Ministry of Energy at the end of its first Independent Power Producers (IPP) bid, Soitec is building a 44-MWp utility-scale CPV power plant in Touwsrivier, near the Aquila Private Game Reserve (Western Cape). Along with other projects currently under development in South Africa through the IPP program, Soitec’s project is creating a new workforce demand at the local level.

“With this CPV training program, our aim is to prepare applicants from the local community for employment during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of our Touwsrivier power plant,” explained Gaetan Borgers, executive vice president of Soitec Solar Division. “This training program is intended to open new career paths for South Africans as, according to the IPP program, 1,450 MW of photovoltaic power should be in operation by 2016.”

Funded by Soitec Solar RSA and DEG, a German investment and development corporation that finances private-sector investments in developing countries, the CPV training program is taking place at a facility within the town of Touwsrivier. It includes a basic course covering electricity, photovoltaics, power plants and CPV basics, facilitated by Northlink College lecturers from the Belhar Campus, followed by a more advanced and specialized course on electricity and mechanics.

“Out of 300 applicants, 18 students started the basic course at the beginning of January, after having passed the entry tests. All graduated in May and are now starting the second part of the CPV training program. We are proud of this success, as this program is a concrete example of our local commitment in South Africa. We are convinced the development of CPV in this country can contribute to more sustainable development, protecting the environment while creating new job opportunities,” concluded Gaetan Borgers.

Soirce: African Press Organization

Soitec (Euronext Paris), a world leader in generating and manufacturing revolutionary semiconductor materials for energy and electronics successfully finalised the ZAR 1,000,000,000 (more than $100 millions) solar financing bond issued by CPV Power Plant No.1 Bond SPV (RF) Ltd, an affiliate of Soitec Solar GmbH.  The bonds will finance the construction of a 44 MWp utility-scale concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) solar power plant in Touwsrivier, South Africa.

This is the first publicly-listed project bond ever issued to finance a solar power plant based on CPV technology.  In terms of financing solar energy projects, the bond is an inaugural transaction in South Africa and only the third such transaction worldwide.  

A consortium comprised of Deloitte & Touche, The Standard Bank of South Africa, Trident Capital and Webber Wentzel Attorneys advised Soitec throughout the transaction, with the bank acting as lead manager, book runner and debt sponsor for the offering.  Moody's, the credit rating agency, confirmed the supportive investment grade rating of Baa2.za assigned to the Touwsrivier project.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/04/30/5383071/soitec-completes-zar-1000000000.html#storylink=cpy