STANDBY, BACKUP AND EMERGENCY POWER
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eThekwini solar PV and battery pilot signals growing interest in Virtual Power Plants By: Chris Yelland, EE Business Intelligence I nterest in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) is growing in South Africa as utilities, municipalities and private-sector vehicles, smart appliances and demand- response resources – and operate them as a single flexible power resource. Rather than building new conventional generation capacity, VPPs seek to
optimise existing electricity networks and customer-owned assets through advanced digital platforms and real-time control systems. The concept is attracting growing attention in South Africa as electricity markets evolve and distributed energy resources proliferate. Nearly 7% of South African households are now estimated to use some form of solar power, while commercial, industrial and mining customers continue to invest heavily in solar PV and battery systems. These assets represent a substantial untapped resource that could provide balancing services, peak-demand reduction and reserve capacity to the power system. The emergence of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market
participants explore new ways to integrate distributed energy resources, improve grid resilience and unlock value from flexible electricity demand. A significant recent development is the eThekwini Municipality’s launch, in association with technology provider Plentify, of South Africa’s first residential battery Virtual Power Plant pilot. The initiative invites households with solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage to join a programme that aggregates and coordinates residential energy resources to support the local electricity network. The project reflects a broader global trend in which VPPs combine thousands of distributed assets – including rooftop solar systems, battery energy storage, electric
evolving, VPPs are increasingly viewed as a potentially important component of South Africa’s future electricity system, complementing both utility- scale generation and distributed energy resources.
(SAWEM), expanding battery deployments and advances in smart metering, communications and control technologies are expected to create additional opportunities for VPP participation in electricity trading and ancillary services markets. While regulatory, technical and commercial frameworks are still
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From Shanghai to the world: Growatt concludes SNEC 2026 with a new chapter in energy storage solutions
Transition to zero-emission and hybrid infrastructure: a guide for electrical contractors A s the world shifts towards sustainability, the construction and electrical industries are at the forefront of the move to zero-
be in high demand. Energy monitoring and management: Installing energy submetering, power quality monitoring, and energy management systems helps clients track and optimise their energy use, a core component of emission reduction. EV charging infrastructure: The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is driving demand for low-voltage wiring, smart chargers, and load management solutions in both commercial and residential sectors. Renewable integration: Solar panels, battery storage, and even microgrids require specialised low-voltage electrical expertise. Challenges and considerations Transitioning to zero-emission and hybrid projects requires ongoing education and adaptation. Standards and codes are evolving quickly—contractors must stay informed about local regulations and utility requirements. Integrating new technologies with legacy systems can present compatibility and interoperability issues. Additionally, customers may need guidance and reassurance regarding the reliability and ROI of sustainable infrastructure. Staying competitive Investing in training and certification programmes, such as those offered by manufacturers and industry associations, is essential. Building partnerships with renewable energy providers and system integrators can open new business avenues. Finally, proactively educating clients on the benefits of zero-emission and hybrid systems can position your company as a trusted advisor in the green transition. The move to zero-emission and hybrid infrastructure is not just a trend—it’s the future of electrical contracting. By embracing new technologies and upskilling, low-voltage contractors can lead the charge toward a cleaner, more resilient built environment.
emission and hybrid infrastructure. This transition presents both opportunities and challenges. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead in this evolving market. Understanding zero-emission and hybrid infrastructure Zero-emission infrastructure refers to systems and buildings that either eliminate or dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This often involves electrification, integration of renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind), and use of energy storage systems. Hybrid infrastructure combines traditional power sources with renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies to minimise carbon footprints while ensuring reliability. Electrical contractors play a crucial role in implementing these advanced systems. Key areas include: Smart controls and automation: Modern zero-emission buildings rely on integrated control systems for lighting, HVAC, and security. Contractors skilled in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), building automation, and IoT devices will Opportunities for electrical contractors
A s the 19 th SNEC PV Power & Smart Energy Expo 2026 in Shanghai officially draws to a close, Growatt is proud to have completed another exciting chapter in the evolution of its energy storage portfolio. Over the three days, our stand became a vibrant meeting point for customers, partners, installers, and industry professionals from around the world. We are truly grateful for every conversation, every exchange of ideas, and every new possibility inspired by a shared vision for a more sustainable energy future. This year’s SNEC was more than an exhibition; it was a strong reflection of where the global energy industry is heading. The transition toward energy storage–centric, hybrid-integrated, and smart energy ecosystems is no longer a future concept, but a rapidly accelerating reality across residential, commercial, and industrial markets worldwide. Aligned with this industry trend, Growatt’s latest energy innovations showcased one clear direction: making energy smarter, simpler, and more connected. • AURA 5000 — Flexible residential & balcony energy storage • MODA 15KTL3-HU — Advanced all-in- one residential hybrid system
• APX 2.0 HV Battery — Modular next- generation battery platform • RISE 261H-XH — Integrated C&I solar + storage solution What impressed us most at this year’s exhibition was the strong momentum and growing confidence across the global energy market. SNEC 2026 delivered a clear message: the clean energy transition is accelerating faster than ever, driven by rising demand for higher self-consumption, greater energy independence, smarter energy management, and more integrated solar + storage systems — areas on which Growatt is focusing through its innovation recognised by EUPD Research with a Southeast Asia Award, highlighting the company’s strong brand presence, market influence, and trusted position in the region’s rapidly growing solar and energy storage markets. This recognition further reflects Growatt’s continued commitment to delivering reliable PV inverters, battery storage, and smart energy solutions that support Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition. and long-term strategic efforts. Growatt is also honoured to be
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SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
JULY 2026
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