South Africa is rich in sunshine throughout the year. Did you know that most areas in our country average more than 2500 hours of sunshine per year? An average solar-radiation level range (which is between 4 and 7 kWh/m2 per day) would allow people to cut down on their electricity bills. Starting a solar panel installation business is a great choice of a business with growth potential.

Getting Started

A solar panel is a panel specially designed to absorb the sun’s rays. They are known as a source of energy. Using the sun’s power, we can generate electricity. There are two business models locally: import and resell the kits or buy and install.

To import, you have to establish connections with wholesale suppliers that produce solar panels.  To buy from Chinese manufacturers best place to find them is on Alibaba or Aliexpress (depending on the quantity you will be ordering).  If you identify yourself as a contractor, you can get wholesale prices.

Target Market
With the looting at Eskom being out with control and South Africans estimated to be paying double for electricity that what they should be (the rest being lost due to theft and mismanagement), your target is basically every South African home and business owner with a property, whether it’s a mansion or RDP house. This will allow people to not only cut down on their electricity bills but also stop being ripped off by Eskom.

Therefore, if you establish your company as a reliable solar panel installation service, you can make a lot of money

Competition
One thing of concern in this business is competition. There are already a lot of companies offering their services in big cities. However, since both rich and poor people need to cut down on expenses, it makes sense to offer your services to homeowners who live in small towns and that is probably where the best opportunity is.

Skills required
There are some things you need to know in this industry. Here is a great online course that covers the following:

The complete SOLAR ENERGY course. Beginner to advanced level

Hi Solar enthusiasts! Welcome to the Complete Solar Energy course, the only course out there with everything you need to know on Solar Photovoltaic Energy.