Jinko Solar, an NSE-listed Chinese solar PV manufacturing company has opened a $7.4 million (R80 million) solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing plant in Cape Town, South Africa.

This is in line with the vision of the South African government’s Industrial Policy Action Plan and renewable energy support programme which seeks to foster the use of renewable energy for industrial growth.

The PV plant is the company’s first facility outside China. It is expected to ease the load off Eskom’s power grid; Jinko Solar MD, Morgan Peng said.

The solar PV factory has the capacity to produce up to 1,300 solar panels a day and supply 120 megawatts (MW) in solar power yearly.

Chinese company Jinko Solar is the fourth-largest solar PV manufacturer in the world. Its investment in South Africa will create a minimum of 250 direct jobs while secondary jobs will be provided through solar panel installation and maintenance.

Speaking on the sidelines of the US-Africa summit, South Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said the government supported Jinko Solar’s investment through the reduction of red tape and support on local content requirements to enhance the growth of its industrial sector.

“South Africa is becoming a leader in renewable energy,” he said, adding that the investment will further establish the country as a hub for renewable energy and other green economy industries.

To further enhance its position as a leader in renewable energy, Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille said the continent’s second largest economy has partnered with local institutions to send locals to China for training in solar panel manufacture and maintenance.