Exploring commercial and industrial solar options for long-term energy resilience
As energy demand continues to increase across Africa, many commercial and industrial players are turning to solar energy solutions to reduce costs, improve reliability and meet their sustainability goals. These technologies are not only helping businesses maintain a competitive edge, but also supporting broader ambitions for a cleaner, more self-sufficient energy future on the continent.
As a pan-African independent power producer, we at New Southern Energy help businesses address their energy needs through renewable energy solutions. From manufacturing facilities and retail centres to logistics providers and data centres, we help companies invest in energy infrastructure that can deliver both environmental and economic returns.
Below, we explore four core areas where solar energy solutions are making a tangible impact across the continent.
Solar PV
Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity and is often the starting point for most solar energy strategies. In the commercial and industrial space, these systems are typically installed on rooftops, carports or on the ground near the facility, depending on available space and energy requirements.
For businesses operating in areas where grid power is unstable or costly, Solar PV offers a cost-effective and scalable way to reduce reliance on external supply. Importantly, it enables energy users to take control of their own generation capacity, while making measurable progress towards sustainability targets.
The systems can be tailored to suit specific usage patterns and can operate either independently or as part of a larger energy network. Learn more about our Solar PV solutions here.
Battery Storage
Battery storage systems play a critical role in ensuring that solar energy is available when it’s needed most. While solar PV generates electricity during daylight hours, battery storage allows excess power to be stored and used during peak times, in the evening, or during load shedding.
This not only improves the efficiency of solar systems but also enhances energy security. For commercial and industrial facilities that depend on uninterrupted power – such as manufacturing lines or refrigerated warehouses – battery storage provides a reliable backup and reduces the impact of power cuts or grid instability.
With the cost of battery technology continuing to decline, more businesses are including this component in their energy mix. Read more about our with battery solutions here.
Private Networks
Private energy networks, also known as micro-grids, allow businesses or industrial facilities to generate and distribute electricity independently of the national grid. These networks can include a combination of Solar PV, battery storage and other technologies, designed around the specific energy needs of the site.
Private networks are particularly useful in high-consumption zones or remote areas where grid connectivity is unreliable or unavailable. They give businesses more control over their energy supply, improve operational resilience and enable excellent cost predictability over time.
Whether supplying a single site or a cluster of users within a defined area, these systems offer a pragmatic path toward energy autonomy. Learn more about our private network solutions here.
Wheeling
Wheeling is an arrangement that enables electricity generated in one location to be transported through the national grid and used at a different site, typically owned by the same company or organisation. For commercial and industrial clients with multiple facilities, this model opens up new possibilities for optimising energy procurement.
For example, a company might install a large Solar PV plant in a high-resource area and wheel the power to its factories located elsewhere. This approach reduces reliance on utility providers and leverages renewable energy assets across a broader footprint.
Wheeling agreements require regulatory engagement and precise metering but can unlock long-term cost savings and increase access to cleaner power. Learn more about our wheeling solutions here.
A commercial shift toward energy independence
Across Africa, there is growing recognition that solar energy solutions offer more than just environmental benefits. They represent smart business decisions. With electricity prices rising and grid infrastructure often under pressure, investing in solar is becoming a strategic imperative for many companies.
The commercial and industrial sector is uniquely positioned to lead the continent’s transition to renewable energy. From logistics hubs in South Africa to manufacturing plants in Kenya and commercial buildings in Uganda, businesses are redefining what energy resilience looks like.
Our team supports clients throughout the project lifecycle, from initial feasibility and system design to construction, commissioning and long-term maintenance. Read about some of the solar systems that we have developed here.
A future built on sustainable power
As a pan-African energy partner, we understand the importance of local context, regulatory frameworks and regional climate conditions. Our goal is to develop solar energy solutions that are practical, scalable and aligned with the operational needs of commercial and industrial players.
Whether through Solar PV, battery storage, private networks or wheeling, the path to greater energy security is clear. By embracing these technologies, businesses across Africa are not only preparing for a more sustainable future; they’re actively shaping it.
