ENERGY
to SMEs!
A new set of reforms is pulling SMEs into the centre of clean-energy economy, opening access to flexible contracts, virtual wheeling and affordable storage that once belonged only to big corporates.
By Bronwyn Timm, Business Development Manager, SOLA Group
The South African renewable energy sector is moving from momentum to maturity. Across industries, clean power isn’ t perceived as a hedge against load shedding anymore. It has become a core business strategy thanks to a set of reforms and technologies that have made renewable energy more accessible and affordable.
Over the past 18 months, the structure of the market has changed thanks to policy reforms that have created a space for private energy generation, traditional wheeling and the launch of virtual wheeling. The latter model allows companies to access renewable energy generated offsite through a system of rebates to match the power a business uses from the national or municipal grid with the clean energy generated from an Independent Power Producer( IPP). Eskom launched the framework to simplify access for corporates on Low Voltage Eskom connections and municipalities. Vodacom has become the first company in South Africa and on the African continent to fully operationalise virtual wheeling( which went live in September 2025) with their Power Purchase Agreement( PPA) with SOLA Group.
It was a breakthrough moment, especially for SMEs. Renewable energy has become more accessible and affordable without requiring that companies build their own physical plants or on-site installations. It opens the door to clean and lower-cost power – a flexibility that means SMEs can balance their power needs against their budgets. They can buy renewable energy without owning infrastructure.
Traditional PPAs often last as long as 20 years and require a significant long-term commitment. The model ensured reliable power but also limited participation to large corporates and mining houses with financial heft. With the virtual wheeling model now available locally, SMEs can enjoy the same benefits, but with shortterm, flexible contracts that are more aligned with their operational realities.
56 sabusinessintegrator. co. za