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To lease or not lease: Regulatory requirements of rooftop solar projects

Shining bright: Renewable energy access is increasing in Botswana PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Shining bright: Renewable energy access is increasing in Botswana PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

In recent years, Southern Africa has been facing a growing energy crisis, with increasing demand and declining traditional energy sources. This has led to an increased interest in renewable energy solutions, particularly rooftop solar projects. As an abundant and readily accessible source of clean energy, solar power is seen as a viable solution to the energy crisis in the region.

The upfront cost of solar rooftop systems can, however, be substantial for consumers and small businesses, making it a barrier for widespread adoption. However, the solar sector has come up with innovative solutions to make it more accessible to consumers. One such solution is offering solar systems on a lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) basis. In a lease arrangement, consumers pay a monthly fee to use the solar system, whilst in a PPA, they agree to purchase the energy generated by the system at a predetermined rate. This allows consumers to access the benefits of solar energy without incurring the upfront cost, and provides a more affordable and accessible solution to the energy crisis in Southern Africa.

In this article, we will explore the regulations that govern the leasing of solar rooftop plants to consumers or small businesses.

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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