During the inauguration events in October 2025 in the communities of Bizana (Eastern Cape) and Pinetown (KwaZulu-Natal), SolarWorx GmbH and its local partner Kukhanya Energy Services Ltd. (KES) officially launched their cooperation. The projects highlight how modular solar home systems (SHS) can enhance access to clean, dependable power—contributing significantly to sustainable development in Southern Africa.

Decentralized energy supply for improved quality of life

In many parts of Southern Africa, access to electricity remains a major challenge. Rural regions such as Eastern Cape are particularly affected, with large numbers of households still lacking a stable power supply. At the same time, frequent power cuts (“load-shedding”) disrupt both daily life and economic activity in urban areas like Pinetown.

By deploying decentralized solar home systems, SolarWorx and KES offer reliable and affordable solutions that provide households with clean electricity independent of the national grid.

Successful start: 500 systems already in operation

Within the Renewable Energy Solutions Programme (RES Programme) of the German Energy Solutions Initiative, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), a total of 500 Solego 200 solar home systems with a storage capacity of 200 Wh have been installed—most of them in the Bizana region. The systems are based on a “pay-as-you-go” model that allows flexible use via mobile payments, giving low-income households access to modern energy services.

The SHS provide electricity for lighting, mobile phone charging, and the operation of small household appliances. All systems have been fully operational since February 2025. Due to strong demand and positive user feedback, KES has already ordered an additional 1,000 units, all of which were sold by the time the inauguration events took place.

Local impact

In Bizana, the project demonstrates how decentralized solar energy solutions can improve everyday life in rural areas. The installed Solego systems provide lighting, enhance safety, and create new economic opportunities: small shops, hairdressers, and craft businesses can now operate longer hours and generate additional income.

The Bizana event focused on exchanging experiences with end users. Community representatives spoke about the benefits the new systems have brought to daily life. In Pinetown, the highlight was the engagement with KES staff and distributors as well as networking with local businesses and potential multipliers.

A model for the future

The partnership between SolarWorx and KES illustrates how decentralized energy solutions can play a crucial role in achieving global sustainability goals. With modular technology, pay-as-you-go functionality, and local service structures, the systems foster long-term access to energy, create jobs, and open up opportunities far beyond simple power supply.

“Our Solego systems are modular, robust, and easy to maintain—ideal for regions where stable grid infrastructure is lacking,” explains Felix Boldt, Managing Director of SolarWorx GmbH. “Together with Kukhanya Energy Services, we are demonstrating that sustainable electrification is possible through local value creation and future-oriented business models.”

With the RES programme, the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWE) supports German companies in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors enter new markets. Within the framework of the programme, reference plants are installed and marketed with the support of the German Energy Agency (dena). Information and training activities help ensure a sustainable market entry and demonstrate the quality of climate-friendly technologies made in Germany.