JA Solar, a global leader in the PV industry and the top solar module supplier in Africa, is now producing its high-efficiency DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules locally in South Africa. The first batch of local modules were exclusively supplied to the 216MW Hydra solar project, developed by TotalEnergies and constructed by Powerchina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited (HDEC).
This milestone marks the first local production of n-type PV modules in South Africa, a significant breakthrough in the country’s photovoltaic manufacturing capabilities. It also highlights JA Solar’s long-standing commitment to South Africa’s renewable energy goals and its broader economic development.
To meet the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s local content requirements under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), JA Solar formed a strategic partnership with ARTsolar, South Africa’s premier PV module manufacturer. By combining JA Solar’s cutting-edge n-type PV technology with ARTsolar’s local manufacturing expertise, the partners achieved domestic mass production of DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules.
Achieving local production of these advanced modules was no easy task. The two companies worked together to upgrade ARTsolar’s facility to a state-of-the-art 340MW production line, in the process overcoming multiple technical and operational challenges. From adapting equipment and production processes to training personnel, to securing product certification, to establishing new quality control and logistics systems, the road to local production required significant investment, coordination, and dedication.
“This is more than a manufacturing achievement—it’s a strategic step forward for South Africa’s energy independence,” said Aiqing Yang, Executive President of JA Solar. “We are proud that the Hydra project will be powered by JA Solar modules made on South African soil. This successful localization effort shows our commitment to combining global innovation with local action, supporting the country’s clean energy goals and industrial growth.”
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the Hydra project. By reducing dependence on imports and bolstering domestic production capabilities, JA Solar is helping to strengthen South Africa’s solar value chain. Undertaken in partnership with local universities, ARTsolar’s investment in workforce development and technical training has already led to the creation of 150 permanent jobs, with more expected as production scales.
South Africa is poised to become one of the world’s top ten solar markets by 2030, and JA Solar’s investment in local production underscores its intent to play a lasting role in the region’s energy transformation. With the synergy of China’s advanced PV technology and Africa’s renewable energy ambitions, JA Solar is paving the way for a cleaner, more self-reliant future powered by locally-produced solar energy.
