Renaissance Solar is based in Simonstown, Cape Town. Founded in 2009 with the intention of providing affordable, quality solar hot water systems. Since then, this dynamic team has grown from strength to strength as they have evolved their offering along with the Solar industry.
This month we chatted to Valerie Morris founder of Renaissance Solar to get her views on the industry, how she got started, and her views on the future. If you are interested in learning more about Renaissance Solar be sure to check out their profile below.
Versofy – What was the reason you wanted to get into the solar industry? Has it always been a passion of yours, or was it sparked by a certain event or problem that you identified needed solving?
Valerie Morris – 20 years ago I built my own natural house in the mountains and it is completely off grid. From that time I was interested in Solar and knew I would one day get into the business.
Being in the industry for over 10 years now, you have witnessed the industry progress first-hand. What, in your opinion, has been the biggest advancement in that period?
Eskom Subsidy programme from 2008 was a huge boost to the industry and its subsidy withdrawal 5 years ago was devastating to suppliers and end-users alike. There has not been great advancement at all in the SHW (Solar Hot Water) industry but a lot in the PV industry. Prices have come down a lot in the last 6 years.
What is the biggest project your team has been involved in?
For Solar hot water – 30 systems for an orphanage in Khayelitsha and 45 systems for a school boarding house. For PV – 15kWp Hybrid systems in many houses and almost taking a college in Ottery completely off the grid.
Do you think South Africa can become a major contributor to the global solar industry? Whether through manufacturing or otherwise?
Not through manufacturing but increasingly IPP (Independent Power Producer) are being built all over SA to supplement the grid. I reckon that in 3 – 5 years between Eskom and the IPP there will be more than enough electricity to be able to sell again to the rest of Africa.
In closing, would you like to add any other thoughts, opinions, or excitement you have for the solar industry.
The Covid Pandemic has allowed people to sit back and review their ways of life and values. By and large, we have been an economy-driven human race. I see many people’s values shifting and with the growing awareness of the climate crisis each one can make a difference where they are. Renewable energy has to become the norm. We absolutely cannot continue burning coal for energy. It is literally killing us. So solar hot water and solar energy is the cleanest way to move forward for us and the planet
Where to find them:
Website: Renaissancesolar
Facebook Page: Renaissance Solar
Phone Number: 079 367 0111
Email Address: info@renaissancesolar.co.za
