The Future Is Photovoltaic Bright

The key to South Africa’s energy crisis is to harness the abundant energy of the sun, says Thorsten Ronge, Managing Director of SMA South Africa

- Thorsten Ronge

Around 10 years ago, Germany was the biggest solar market in the world. This, with annual radiance levels of solar power that reach Germany’s surface being between 900 to 1,200 kWh per square metre. In sharp contrast and depending where you are, South Africa has 1,800 to 2,400 kWh per square metre and year, so it definitely makes sense to utilise all that natural energy because the payback time on your infrastructure will be so much shorter,” says Ronge. “The energy of the sun is unlimited and we just have to utilise and harvest it. The best part is that the sun doesn’t hit you with a heavy utility bill!” he adds.

Born and educated in Germany, Ronge’s passion for solar has seen him live, work and study on five continents. He went straight into the world of solar after studying environmental engineering in Germany and completing his Master’s degree in Business and Engineering in 2002.