SA businesses and residents alike are forking out billions on solar panels as the country continues to battle high stages of load shedding – with the regulator saying over R11 billion has been invested in solar PV technology during the third quarter.

Most new generation facilities – 71% of capacity – were dedicated to solar PV between July and September this year, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) said.

During those three months, Nersa registered 98 new generation facilities with 908MW capacity – seven for commercial purposes.

A total of R11.4 billion has been invested in solar PV technology, Nersa said, with companies investing just under R2 billion for alternative energy projects.