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Annual General Meeting
Minutes
30 October 2015: Cape Town, South Africa
2
Table of contents
1. Minutes of 2015 AGM…………………………………………………………………… 3 2. Annex 1: List of SAPVIA members & their voting rights………………….. 7 3. Annex 2: AGM 2015 Agenda…………………………………………………………. 11 4. Annex 3: SAPVIA Activity Report 2014/15…………………………………….. 12 5. Annex 4: SAPVIA Financial Report 2014/15……………………………….. 34 6. Annex 5: SAPVIA Budget 2014/15.……………………………………………….. 36 7. Annex 6: SAPVIA Action Plan 2015/6…….………………………………….. 37 8. Annex 7: Candidates for SAPVIA management board …………………… 38
3
Opening the meeting
The meeting began at 14h00.
Mr Davin Chown, SAPVIA’s Chairperson, welcomed the participants to the meeting, highlighted what
to do in the case of emergency and evacuation, checked that a quorum was present, presented the
list of members and their voting rights (see annex 1) and explained the proceedings for the
afternoon.
Approving the Agenda for the 2015 AGM
Mr Chown presented the Agenda for the meeting (see annex 2) and asked the members to approve it.
Agreement on the agenda was achieved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote #1
Approving the 2014 AGM minutes
Mr Chown presented the minutes of the 2014 AGM and asked the members to approve it.
Agreement on the minutes was achieved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote#2
Approving the SAPVIA activity report 2014 -
2015
Mr Chown presented the 2014 – 2015 activity report (see annex 3) and asked the members to
approve it.
Agreement on the activity report was achieved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote
#3
4
SAPVIA financial report 2014 – 2015: Approval
of SAPVIA’s accounts
Mr Kevin Robinson, SAPVIA’s Treasurer presented the association’s financial statements as per the
2014 audit results (see annex 4) as well as SAPVIA’s budget and actual spend for the period
2014/2015(see annex 5).
Mr Robinson asked the members to approve the 2014/2015 financial statements which were
approved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote #4
Approving the SAPVIA action plan 2015 –
2016
Mr Moeketsi Thobela led this address, with specific reference to the PowerPoint Presentation
(Annex X). Moeketsi highlighted the strategic objectives and its associated strategic outcomes. The
strategic objectives encompass:
1. KPA: Management of Government and Stakeholder Relations
2. Policy development and Implementation
3. Organisational Capacity-building
4. Strategic Research
5. Corporate Citizenship and Responsibility
6. Funding.
The next phase of the discussion centred around the Organisational Restructuring, with the focus on
the proposed new roles and the best proposed approach with current members of staff as well, the
phasing of new staff, and the proposed timelines.
Moeketsi then addressed the current membership packages and its related benefits and proposed
the way forward in line with enhanced service offerings to members as part of the approach to
introducing and implementing the Platinum Packages.
Furthermore, Moeketsi highlighted and identified the Action Plan which will be incorporated and
executed by the Secretariat, thus enhancing SAPVIA’s operational outputs.
At this juncture, the floor was opened for questions. A question in relation to the hiring of SED-
ED/MS/GAS Programme Manager and whether this can be a shared position between the industry
associations, i.e. SAREC as the hiring of Rooftop PV Programme Manager is more specific. There
were no questions tabled by the Johannesburg centre. Moeketsi responded in relation to the
collaboration between SAPVIA and SAREC regarding the ombudsman, and that in line with the
budget, the only allocation is that of a PM: RTPV. There were no further questions, and members
were asked to vote. The Action Plan was adopted by majority vote of hands (no negative votes).
Vote#
5
Approval of SAPVIA’s budget 2015 - 2016
Moeketsi highlighted that it is important to note the budget forecast (Annex 6) includes a number of
key assumptions that are different from previous SAPVIA budgets, namely:
• Upgrade of at least 10 Associate Members to Full Members. • At Least 5 existing Full Members subscribe Platinum Package. • At least 25 installers join as Associate Members and receive endorsement for
rooftop PV safety & quality. • At least 10 existing Associate Members are endorsed for rooftop PV safety & quality. • Provision for illustration of the effect of grant funding from the dti. • Provision for the funding of a new organisational structure. • The introduction of SAPVIA’s conferences. • ZERO inflation adjustment, noting 15 percent increase for 2014/15.
Two Cash Forecast scenarios were submitted to members, i.e. with and without dti Grant funding.
The dti grant payment process was explained to members. All exceptional activity-related
promotional advertising expenses, are contingent on the dti grants. It was noted that these
projections are not cast in stone. Should it be feasible to proceed, such projects will be tabled with
members for approval. . In terms of other income, provisions included in relation to conference
fees, platinum package fees, endorsed installer fees, etc (refer to Annex 6). It is noted that the
income projections remains contingent on the feasibility of outlined projects. Moeketsi highlighted
As all key income and expenditure items were highlighted, and members were asked to vote.
The budget was approved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote #5
Elections for ordinary commissioners
Mr Chown explained that this year there were four positions available, and seven nominations for
ordinary commissioners. The voting process was explained and each nominee then had the
opportunity to introduce/present themselves to their fellow members (see annex 4 for candidate
biographies). Members were then given time to cast their votes. All ballots were collected by
Natalie and Kim. All ballots were tallied and results verified by Webber Wentzel on 03 November
2015.
The following members were elected onto the Management Committee (Vote #7):
Christian Cronje – juwi Renewable Energies
Ayanda Nakedi – Eskom
Wido Schnabel – Canadian Solar
Frank Spencer – First Solar
6
The following members of the previous year’s management committee remain in office for a second
term:
Davin Chown – Genesis-Eco Energy
Mike Levington – Kabi Energy
Chris Haw – Aurora Power Solutions
Ryan Hammond – Solairedirect (Pty) Ltd
Rainer Nowak, Webber Wentzel
Closing remarks
Mr Chown announced that all items on the agenda had been attended to and thanked all in
attendance for their participation. He also thanked his fellow colleagues who served with him on the
previous management board for their contributions to SAPVIA, as well as the Secretariat Team for
their efforts and contributions.
Gerrit Kruyswijk from the IDC took the opportunity to thank Mr Chown and the Management
Committee for their time, devotion and sterling efforts over the past year and also thanked the
Secretariat Team for their efforts and contributions. Mr Chown in turn thanked all the members for
their support and trust.
Mr Chown then announced the conclusion of the meeting.
SAPVIA thanked Webber Wentzel for their generous sponsorship of the meeting.
7
Annex 1
List of SAPVIA members & their voting rights
Full / Ordinary Members: Voting weight = 3
1 Acciona Energy SA (Global) Pty Ltd
2 Atlantic Renewable Energy Partners
3 Aurora Power Solutions (Pty) Ltd
4 Black Lite Solar (Pty) Ltd
5 Bright Black Energy
6 BYD Lithium Battery Co., LTD*
7 Canadian Solar South Africa (Pty)Ltd
8 Enel Green Power RSA (Pty) Ltd
9 Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
10 First Solar
11 Genesis Eco-Energy Developments (Pty ) Ltd
12 Globeleq South African Management Services (Pty) Ltd
13 Industrial Development Corporation Ltd
14 Ingeteam
15 Jinko Solar
16 juwi Renewable Energies
17 Kabi Solar (Pty) Ltd
18 Laser Junction
19 Mainstream Renewable Power, SA, (Pty) Ltd
20 NRG Renew Africa Propriety Limited
21 NRGP Holdings (Pty) Ltd
22 Proconics (Pty) Ltd
23 Remote Metering Solutions
24 Schneider Electric
25 Solaire Direct (Pty) Ltd
26 Solar Capital
27 Solar Reserve
28 SunEdison
29 SunPower
30 Tritec South Africa
31 Webber Wentzel
32 Yingli Solar
____________________________________________________________
*Voting rights subject to payment of membership fees by October 30th, 2015
8
Associate Members: Voting weight =1
1 3 Energy Renewables
2 3E Solar
3 ACDC Dynamics
4 Aecom (previously BKS) *
5 African Solar Power
6 AGE Technologies
7 Allbro Group
8 Altgen Recruitment
9 Apollo Solar Technology
10 Artsolar
11 Arup
12 Astrom Technical Advisors
13 Aveng Trident Steel
14 Avlock International
15 Det Norske Veritas (Pty) Ltd
16 Biotherm
17 Bluewave Captial
18 Brolaz South Africa
19 C2KIT Energy Solutions
20 Cennergi (Pty) Ltd
21 Centre for Energy Research, NMMU
22 Chint Power Solutions Africa (Pty) Ltd
23 Citel S.A.S
24 Clare Energy & Habitat
25 Convert South Africa (Pty) Ltd *
26 Davitron CC
27 DEHN Africa (Pty) Ltd
28 EEPro Renewable Energy Projects (Pty) Ltd
29 Element Consulting Engineers
30 Emergent Energy
31 Enertis
32 Enertronica South Africa (Pty) Ltd
33 Enzani Technologies (Pty) Ltd
34 EON Energy Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd
35 Exosun
36 Firefly Investments 254 (RF)
37 Freephase Pty Ltd
38 Friem S.p.A
39 Gestamp Solar
40 Get off Grid
41 GPtech/Green Power Technology
42 Green Consolidated
9
43 Green Legacy Innovations Group
44 Hall Longmore Holdings (Pty) Ltd
45 Happy Solar
46 Hellerman Tyton (Pty) Ltd
47 Hubei Dongbei New Energy
48 Hulamin Extrusions
49 IBC Solar
50 Industrial Technology Research Institute
51 Ingenia *
52 Kaco new energy Africa
53 KPMG South Africa
54 Matleng Energy Solutions
55 N Cherry Electrical
56 Nedbank Capital
57 New Southern Energy
58 PiA Solar (Pty) Ltd
59 Power Electronics
60 Rand York Castings (Pty) Ltd
61 Renen Energy Solutions
62 Renesola SA *
63 Renewable Energy Investments South Africa - REISA
64 Renewable Energy Systems Southern Africa - RES
65 Robor
66 Rodigas SRL
67 Romano Group
68 RTC Control Systems
69 Rubicon Electrical & Automation
70 Santerno Spa
71 Savannah Environmental
72 Scatec Solar
73 Schletter South Africa (Pty) Ltd
74 SgurrEnergy Ltd
75 Skypower Ltd
76 Solar Edge Ltd
77 Solar World Africa
78 Solar4Africa (Pty) Ltd
79 Solarcentury Africa Holdings
80 Solareff (Pty) Ltd
81 SolarMD (Pty) Ltd
82 Solek
83 Solsquare *
84 Soventix *
85 Stellenbosch University: Centre for Renewable & Sustainable Energy Studies
86 Subsolar Energy
10
87 SUNfarming South Africa (Pty) Ltd
88 Sunworx
89 Sustainable Power Solutions
90 Synth3sis South Africa (Pty) Ltd *
91 Trina Solar
92 TuV Rheinland Inspection Services *
93 Ver-Chem Pty Ltd
94 Victron Energy BV
95 Vikram Solar
96 Walroflex
97 WOESA Energy (Pty) Ltd
____________________________________________________________
11
*Voting rights subject to payment of membership fees by October 30th, 2015
Individual / Casual Members: Voting weight = 0
1 Anton de Swardt
2 Benoit Stroobandt
3 Christopher Nivison
4 Claude Bosman (Etian Louw is 2nd representitive)
5 Clemens Brandt
6 Danny Sejeng
7 Edmund James
8 Fritz Eksteen
9 Graham Benn
10 Guy Rice
11 Heini Nel
12 Holle Linnea Wlokas
13 Jaco du Preez
14 Johan Cilliers
15 Justin Hardman
16 Keobakile Sedupane
17 Kurisani Mawanganyi
18 Lahlane Malema
19 Mark Bleloch
20 Michael Feldner
21 Nishen Brijraj
22 Phil Setter
23 Ralph Ertner
24 Rodrigo Villacián
25 Rudi Willemse 26 Yoann Joyeaux
12
Annex 2 - AGM 2015 Agenda
13h30
Registration
14h00
o Chairperson’s opening address
14h10
o Approval of the AGM Agenda
Vote 1
o Approval of AGM 2014 Minutes
Vote 2
14h20
o SAPVIA activity report 2014 - 15
(Presentation & discussion)
Vote 3
14h40
o SAPVIA financial report 2014 - 15
Vote 4 o Appointment of auditors (2015-2016)
o SAPVIA budget: 2015 - 16
Vote 5
15h10
Tea / coffee break
15h30
o SAPVIA action plan 2015 -16
- Vote 6
16h00 o Closing
Date of next Annual General Meeting: October 2016
Concluding remarks
16h30
End of the Annual General Meeting
16h30 – 18h00
Networking, drinks & key-note address: Stuart Bartlett, Head : Development Impact Support, Industrial Development Council (IDC)
13
Annex 3
Annual General Meeting
Minutes
05 September 2014: Johannesburg, South Africa
14
Table of contents
9. Minutes of 2014 AGM…………………………………………………………………… 3 10. Annex 1: List of SAPVIA members & their voting rights………………….. 7 11. Annex 2: AGM 2014 Agenda…………………………………………………………. 11 12. Annex 3: SAPVIA Activity Report 2013/14…………………………………….. 12 13. Annex 4: SAPVIA Financial Statements 2013/14.………………………….. 34 14. Annex 5: SAPVIA Budget 2013/14.……………………………………………….. 36 15. Annex 6: SAPVIA Budget Forecast 2014/15………………………………….. 37 16. Annex 7: Candidates for SAPVIA management board …………………… 38
15
Opening the meeting
The meeting began at 14h00.
Mr Davin Chown, SAPVIA’s Chairperson, welcomed the participants to the meeting, highlighted what
to do in the case of emergency and evacuation, checked that a quorum was present, presented the
list of members and their voting rights (see annex 1) and explained the proceedings for the
afternoon.
Approving the Agenda for the 2014 AGM
Mr Chown presented the Agenda for the meeting (see annex 2) and asked the members to approve it.
Agreement on the agenda was achieved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote #1
Approving the 2013 AGM minutes
Mr Chown presented the minutes of the 2013 AGM and asked the members to approve it.
Agreement on the minutes was achieved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote#2
Approving the SAPVIA activity report 2013 -
2014
Mr Chown presented the 2013 – 2014 activity report (see annex 3) and asked the members to
approve it. At this juncture, SAPVIA’s new CEO, Moeketsi Thobela was introduced.
Agreement on the activity report was achieved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote
#3
16
SAPVIA financial report 2013 – 2014: Approval
of SAPVIA’s accounts
Mr Ryan Hammond, SAPVIA’s Treasurer presented the association’s financial statements as per the
2014 audit results (see annex 4) as well as SAPVIA’s budget and actual spend for the period
2013/2014 (see annex 5).
Mr Hammond asked the members to approve the 2013/2014 financial statements which were
approved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote #4
Approval of SAPVIA’s budget 2014 - 2015
Mr Hammond presented SAPVIA’s proposed budget for the 2014/2015 period (see annex 6), and at
the same time he thanked BDO for their continued support and partnership with SAPVIA. Mr
Hammond highlighted that there has not been an increase in membership fees since SAPVIA’s
inception and that, in order to keep in line with the Association’s increased financial commitments,
the management committee took a decision to increase the membership fees by 15% at the financial
year end. He also highlighted the opening of a “Sponsor Member Category” to the value of 200K –
with the details of how this category will be defined still to be confirmed.
Gerrit Kruyswijk from the IDC asked that the typographical error in the AGM pack and presentation
be noted, as it depicted the budget forecast for the period 2013/14 as opposed to 2014/15. This was
accepted and conceded by the Treasurer and attendees alike.
The budget was approved by a majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote #5
Approving the SAPVIA action plan 2014 –
2015
Mr Chown revisited SAPVIA’s baseline action plan and objectives from 2012 through to 2014 and
emphasized that the core to SAPVIA’s strategy remains to be the trusted partner to all our
stakeholders, an ally to Government in industry development, energy programmes and market-
maker for solar PV. The approach going forward is to intensify our level of engagement with
industry role-players and our members (not just in the form of information sharing, but more
meaningful engagements critical to market intelligence), and to strengthen policy positions and
solutions-based dialogue with government. He went on to highlight the immediate plan post-AGM,
over the six weeks following the AGM is to formalise and formulate and consolidate views. There
will be at least 3 half-day sessions for MANCO and Secretariat integration and to formalise the action
17
plan. There will be 2 one-day strategy workshops/sessions, same as previous years, to collectively
work through issues, solutions and strategies with our members. Added to this, SAPVIA will host
webinar-based feedback and polling of members on crucial issues. This level of interaction has
proven to be a valuable tool.
With regards to policy and parliamentary briefings, Mr Chown noted there had been substantial
engagement on that level, however he feels the outcomes are not always sufficiently communicated
to the broader membership base. Going forward, Mr. Chown endeavoured to up the level of
membership engagement, as well as the level of reporting with regards to government
engagements, to tie in with the planned revision of SAPVIA’s service offering.
Mr Chown delved further into the post-AGM timeline to specific activities to take place within the
first two weeks after the AGM, namely to finalise the secretariat restructuring and integration of the
two offices – with the focus on how the two offices will operate jointly.
As far as the Solar Imbizo is concerned, Mr Chown explained how the partnership between SAPVIA
and Green Power Conferences was borne. He added that the event will have two components,
namely conferencing and dialogue with government leaders – the latter being integral interaction
for our members and industry. In line with the funding objectives identified by the Treasurer, Mr
Chown noted the partnership stands to gain SAPVIA some profit-sharing with the organisers, but
also cautioned that this is SAPVIA’s first venture of this nature and that the hope is the Solar Imbizo
will grow in strides in the same way as SAWEA’s WINDaba.
SAPVIA will look at having formal, regular liaisons with the new-elected Parliamentary Portfolio
Committee on Energy and Public Enterprises, as most of the previous members no longer are in
service, which is a notable loss of institutional memory. On that basis, official requests have already
been made to the Chair and Members of each of these committees and the finalisation thereof will
be communicated.
With that being communicated, Mr Chown opened the floor to questions, out of which two arose,
namely: conference endorsements and the benefits for SAPVIA members in relation to the Solar
Imbizo. Responding to the first, Mr. Chown confirmed SAPVIA’s decision to no longer endorse other
industry conferences. Mr Ryan Hammond added that it would be more financially viable for SAPVIA
to recruit new members than it would be to rally members’ attendance at conferences endorsed by
SAPVIA. He felt that industry players stood to gain greater value in being SAPVIA members than
attending a conference for the same fee as a SAPVIA membership. As regards the Solar Imbizo
benefits for members, Mr Chown noted a scheduled meeting with GPC was imminent, where he
would raise this concern and then revert to members.
There were no further questions/comments and members were asked to vote. It was approved by a
majority vote of hands (no negative votes). Vote #6
18
Elections for ordinary commissioners
Mr Chown explained that this year there were six positions available, and eight nominations for
ordinary commissioners. The voting process was explained and each nominee then had the
opportunity to introduce/present themselves to their fellow members (see annex 7 for candidate
biographies). Members were then given time to cast their votes. All ballots were collected by
Natalie and Kim. It was decided, in consultation with Webber Wentzel that the votes would be
counted immediately. This process was led by Mike Levington, overseen by SAPVIA’s CEO, Moeketsi
Thobela, and aided by Natalie and Kim. All ballots were sent to Webber Wentzel on 08 September
2014 and results verified.
The following members were elected onto the Management Committee (Vote #7):
Chris Haw – Aurora Power Solutions
Davin Chown – Genesis Eco-Energy
Ryan Hammond – Solairedirect
Rainer Nowak – Webber Wentzel
Mike Levington – Kabi Solar
Kevin Robinson – Renesola SA
The following members of the previous year’s management committee remain in office for a second
term:
Taru Madangombe – Proconics
Christopher Steinbach – Yingli Green Energy Africa
Wido Schnabel – Canadian Solar
Closing remarks
Mr Chown announced that all items on the agenda had been attended to and thanked all in
attendance for their participation. He also thanked his fellow colleagues who served with him on the
previous management board for their contributions to SAPVIA, as well as the Secretariat Team for
their efforts and contributions.
Gerrit Kruyswijk from the IDC took the opportunity to thank Mr Chown and the Management
Committee for their time, devotion and sterling efforts over the past year and also thanked the
Secretariat Team for their efforts and contributions. Mr Chown in turn thanked all the members for
their support and trust.
Mr Chown then announced the conclusion of the meeting.
SAPVIA wishes to thank Webber Wentzel for their generous sponsorship of the meeting.
19
Annex 1: List of SAPVIA members & their
voting rights
Full / Ordinary Members: Voting weight = 3
1. Aurora Power Solutions (Pty) Ltd
2. Basil Read Matomo (Pty) Ltd
3. Black & Veatch International Co.
4. BYD Lithium Battery Co., LTD *
5. Canadian Solar South Africa (Pty)Ltd
6. Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
7. First Solar
8. Genesis Eco_Energy (Pty) Ltd
9. Globeleq South African Management Services (Pty) Ltd
10. Industrial Development Corporation Ltd
11. Ingeteam
12. Jinko Solar*
13. juwi Renewable Energies
14. Kabi Solar (Pty) Ltd
15. Mainstream Renewable Power, SA, (Pty) Ltd
16. Networx Renewables
17. PFG Building Glass
18. Process Energy & Environmental Technology Services(PEETS)
19. Proconics (Pty) Ltd
20. Protos South Africa (Pty) Ltd*
21. Renesola SA (Pty) Ltd
22. Schneider Electric
23. SkyPower Solar (Pty) Ltd
24. Soitec
25. Solaire Direct (Pty) Ltd
26. Solar Capital*
27. Solar Reserve
28. SunEdison
29. SunPower
30. Webber Wentzel
31. Yingli Solar
_______________________________________________________________
*Voting rights subject to payment of membership fees by September 5th, 2014
20
Associate Members: Voting weight =1
1. 3 Energy Renewables
2. 3E Solar
3. ACDC Dynamics
4. Aecom (previously BKS)
5. African Solar Power
6. AGE Technologies
7. Allbro Group
8. Allpower Systems
9. Altgen Recruitment
10. Arup¹
11. Astrom Technical Advisors
12. Aveng Trident Steel
13. Avlock International
14. Biotherm
15. Bosch*
16. Building Energy
17. Cennergi (Pty) Ltd*
18. Clare Energy & Habitat
19. Convert South Africa (Pty) Ltd
20. Davitron CC
21. EEPro Renewable Energy Projects (Pty) Ltd
22. Element Consulting Engineers
23. Emergent Energy
24. Enertis
25. Exosun
26. Firefly Investments 254 (RF) *
27. Fotowatio Renewable Ventures
28. Gestamp Solar
29. GL Garrad Hassan & Partners Ltd
30. Glock Energy*
31. GPtech/Green Power Technology*
32. Hellerman Tyton (Pty) Ltd
33. Hilti Corporation
34. Hulamin Extrusions
35. IBC Solar
36. Industrial Technology Research Institute
37. Ingenia
38. Leadwood Capital
39. Likusasa
40. Lux Energia SRL*
41. M&W GmbH*
42. Nedbank
21
43. Power Electronics
44. Renewable Energy Investments South Africa - REISA
45. Robor
46. Romano Group
47. Rubicon Electrical & Automation
48. Santerno Spa*
49. SAR Electronic SA
50. Savannah Environmental
51. Scatec Solar
52. Schletter South Africa (Pty) Ltd
53. SgurrEnergy Ltd
54. Sinetech cc
55. Solar Power Africa*
56. Solar World Africa
57. Solarcentury Africa Holdings
58. Solareff
59. Solek
60. Solsquare*
61. Soventix
62. Stellenbosch University: Centre for Renewable & Sustainable Energy Studies
63. Subsolar Energy*
64. Sunworx
65. Sustainable Power Solutions
66. Synth3sis South Africa (Pty) Ltd
67. Thata Ubeke Manufacturing
68. Trina Solar
69. TuV Rheinland Inspection Services
________________________________________________________________
*Voting rights subject to payment of membership fees by September 5th, 2014
22
Individual / Casual Members: Voting weight = 0
1. Phil Setter
2. Christopher Nivison
3. Claude Bosman & Etian Louw
4. David Polovin
5. Fritz Eksteen
6. Grey Green Sustainable Energy
7. Heini Nel
8. Holle Linnea Wlokas
9. Keobakile Sedupane
10. Marc Bleloch
11. Ralph Ertner
12. Rodrigo Villacian
13. Trevor Hardy
14. Yoann Joyeaux
15. RED Engineering
23
Annex 2: AGM 2014 Agenda
13h30
Registration
14h00
o Welcome speech
14h10
o Approval of the AGM Agenda
Vote 1
o Approval of AGM 2013 Minutes
Vote 2
14h20
o SAPVIA activity report 2013 - 14
(Presentation & discussion)
Vote 3
14h40
o SAPVIA financial report 2013 - 14
Vote 4
o SAPVIA budget: 2014 - 15
Vote 5
15h10
Tea / coffee break
15h30
o SAPVIA action plan 2014 -15
- Vote 6
15h45
o Elections for ordinary member commissioners & Chairperson (Presentation of candidates)
Vote 7
16h00 o Closing
Date of next Annual General Meeting: 4 September 2015
Concluding remark
16h30 End of the Annual General Meeting
24
Annex 3: Activity Report: 2013 / 2014
1. Administration 1.1. Members
SAPVIA’s membership base currently stands at 115 members. Of those 115 members, 31
are Full / Ordinary members (27 % of the membership base), 69 are Associate Members (60
% of the membership base), and 15 are Individual/Casual Members (13 % of the
membership base).
27%
60%
13%
COMPOSITION OF SAPVIA
Full Members (31)
Associate Members (69)
Individual members (15)
25
1%1%
1%
79%
1%2% 1%
3%
4%4% 2%
1%
INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF OUR MEMBERS
Belgium
Canada
China
South Africa
France
Germany
Greece
Italy
Spain
UK
USA
Taiwan
36%
62%
1% 1%
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF OUR MEMBERS
LOCATION
Cape Town
Johannesburg
Pretoria
Durban
26
5%
4%
10% 1%
4%
12%
4%
5%
2%
8%
11%
10%
7%
13%
Government(1 member)
5%
SERVICES OFFERED BY OUR MEMBERS
Modules CSI
Other bos
Services/monitoringBank
ModulesThinfilmDeveloper
Research
Investor
Modules cpv
Installer
Consultant
Manufacturer
Inverters
EPC
Government
Wholesalers
27
1.2. Staff and Management
Since its inception, SAPVIA has operated on a voluntary management basis with only two permanent
employees managing the day-to-day functioning of the association and assisting the management
committee to implement its strategy and achieve its objectives.
The growth of the sector in South Africa has placed great pressures on the Management Committee
members’ time and resources as government policy makers require increasing levels of solar PV
industry input, in parallel with the need of the association to adequately service a membership base
of over 120 members.
At a meeting of SAPVIA’s Management Board in April 2013, a structure for a new proposed
secretariat was agreed on whereby SAPVIA employs a CEO (first phase) and restructures the
secretariat to include a policy officer / researcher (second phase). It was agreed that the core role of
the CEO would be to formulate and implement the Association’s strategy and operational plans, to
champion the PV Sector and member interests by ensuring that solar PV is effectively promoted to
government, industry and energy consumers, and to represent the organisation to local and
international industry and Government.
Since the previous years’ AGM in September 2013, SAPVIA has implemented phase 1 of the
secretariat restructure and will welcome the CEO aboard in October this year. Further restructuring
of the SAPVIA secretariat will take place as we realign ourselves to the changing market and member
needs.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Jan-13 Apr-13 Jul-13 Oct-13 Jan-14 Apr-14 Jul-14
SAPVIA Membership Growth Jan 2013 - Sept 2014
28
SAPVIA’s staff compliment now consists of:
SAPVIA CEO: Moeketsi Thobela
SAPVIA Executive Manager: Natalie Bezuidenhout
SAPVIA Administrative Officer: Kim Smith
SAPVIA is still served by a nine member voluntary management committee, with another three seats
reserved for Sponsors.
29
2. Activities
The following segment maps out SAPVIA’s Strategic Objectives for the period 2013 / 2014, and
measures the association’s achievements and/or shortfalls in respect of the strategy.
2.1. Management and Secretariat restructure
Strategic Objective: to restructure and establish SAPVIA’s secretariat in order to extend
SAPVIA’s sphere of influence and ensure a more structured and on-going interaction with
Government in order to shape key Government policies and programmes.
Phase 1 of the restructure was to employ a CEO to relieve the workload of the management
committee and perform certain key strategic activities. Phase 1 of the restructure has been
achieved with the employment of Moeketsi Thobela as SAPVIA’s CEO. Phase 2 of the
restructure, namely realigning the internal tasks/positions to incorporate a policy
development and research function will be implemented in the next 3 months, depending
on funding availability.
2.2. Lobbying
Strategic Objective: to represent the PV industry before political institutions in all forums
within South Africa and assist in an advisory role within the Southern African development
community region when requested to do so, ensuring SAPVIA engages strategically and
timeously with key Government agencies, initiatives and structures in order to ensure that
solar PV is seen to be a desirable option in the future energy plans and programmes, and
that funding to support this is procured and assured.
2.2.1. Influence Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP):
SAPVIA submitted comments on the IEP in December 2013 and the IRP in February
2014. Both submissions were received by Government for consideration in future
amendments to the IEP and IRP.
2.2.2. Provide input into key Government projects to ensure solar PV’s viability and
sustainability:
2.2.2.1. SIP 8 Strategic Environmental Assessments / Renewable Energy
Development Zones (REDZ):
The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process is the result of an
instruction from Cabinet via the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating
Commission (PICC) for the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to
streamline the environmental permitting process for all 18 Special
Infrastructure Projects (SIPs). It was decided to make SIP 8 (Green Energy)
the first SIP to undergo the SEA process. A lack of proper coordination of
government departments required to have input into the EIA process was
one of the key issues identified to the Department of Energy (DoE) and
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National Treasury (NT) by industry as a major impediment to renewable
energy (RE) developers in readying projects for the Renewable Energy
Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
In particular, our sector is inimically tied up in SIP8, SIP9 (Electricity
Generation to support socioeconomic development) and SIP10 (Electricity
Transmission and Distribution for all).
The intention of the SIP 8 SEA process is to identify preferred geographical
areas within South Africa for solar PV and wind development where SEA’s
will be performed to effectively give developers within those zones
environmental pre-approval, subject to specialist studies being performed to
identify and show mitigation. These final zones will be denoted as solar (or
wind) Renewable Energy Development Zones or REDZs, and the ambition
from DEA is that full environmental approval processes will be reduced from
the current 18-24 month experience down to 250 days. Projects outside of
REDZs will need to follow a normal environmental impact assessment (EIA)
process, but justification for the initiation of such a process will need to be
given. In addition, renewal of existing Environmental Approval will need to
undergo the same scrutiny by DEA.
CSIR has performed specialist studies in 8 identified study areas, writing final
reports to allow DEA to interact with the Director Generals of the relevant
government departments to gain support during September and after that
Cabinet. It is expected that 3 REDZs will be gazetted before the end of 2015.
SAPVIA is part of the Expert Reference Group (ERG) for both the SIP 8 & SIP
10 SEA processes and has attended regular meetings and workshops to
provide technical review, inputs and insights to the SEA process, and the
consideration of the interests of all members represented on the ERG.
SAPVIA will continue working with the CSIR and DEA as part of the ERG to
ensure the REDZ are developed and implemented in the best interest of
industry.
2.2.2.2. Solar Energy Technology Road Map (SETRM):
The SETRM is an initiative of the Department of Energy (DoE) and the
Department of Science and Technology (DST) supported by CSIR and
SANEDI, as well as other local and international organisations such as the
GIZ and International Energy Agency (IEA).
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The purpose of the SETRM is to prepare a guide to the local development of
solar energy technologies and their deployment, taking into consideration
relevant policies and initiatives. The DST has developed a SETRM in 2010 but
the scope covered on the DST study was limited to Research and
Development of solar technologies.
SAPVIA, together with selected national departments, academia and
local/international institutions of interest, was asked to be a member of the
extended Project Steering Committee (PSC) in order to provide crucial input
into the development of the roadmap. SAPVIA has had representation at the
PSC meetings and has contributed to the development of the baseline
reports.
Currently the latest draft (June version) of the SETRM is undergoing
intergovernmental reviews after which a PSC meeting, and a meeting of all
Government Stakeholders, will be called to interrogate the document
further.
2.2.2.3. Energy Storage for Solar PV & Wind
SAPVIA is about to sign a Heads of Agreement with the Industrial
Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC), the South Africa National
Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and the South African Wind Energy
Association (SAWEA) for a study to look at the feasibility of establishing a
tariff regime of solar PV or wind + storage which can compete with the
Eskom tariff regime for CSP with storage.
2.2.2.4. Spatial Optimization of Solar PV in South Africa:
In late 2013, SAPVIA was invited to be part of the oversight committee of a
joint initiative between DOE & Eskom, sponsored by GIZ and performed by
Moeller & Poehler Engineering GmbH for the above project.
The scope of the project was to look at 2 alternative scenarios for the spatial
distribution of solar PV in South Africa
Scenario A: 5GW of solar generation to be built in the N. Cape Solar
Corridor with 3.5GW built closer to load centres; and
Scenario B: 3.5GW to be deployed in the N Cape and 5GW deployed
close to load centres.
The intention is to compare LCOEs of each scenario to prove (or disprove)
the assumption made that building large numbers of solar PV IPPs in the N
Cape province is the best spatial deployment of the technology. An initial
presentation was made to the working committee which also includes
Eskom Strategic Grid Planning, DOE, SESSA, and the IPP-Office in July 2014
and a final report will be made by the end of September.
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The outcome of this study should be of keen interest to SAPVIA members as
it will affect the way the technology is deployed in South Africa going
forward.
2.2.2.5. Small REIPPPP:
Manco members have met with various developers participating in the
process and fielded a number of enquiries. The process for the Small IPP
programme has been slow and Manco member interacted primarily with the
IDC on the programme and have had limited interaction with the
management of the programme. The objective for 2014 – 15 will be to step
up this engagement once the programme gains traction.
Mobilise the sector by way of working groups and workshops to define clear positions
representing the views of the majority of the industry on political, technical and economic
issues:
2.2.2.6. Grid Access Subcommittee (GAS)
The Grid Access Subcommittee (GAS) was established in 2012 to interact
with Eskom’s Grid Access Unit (GAU) – a unit specifically set up by Eskom to
deal with requests from renewable (and other) projects wanting to connect
to the Eskom transmission or distribution network. The primary focus of the
GAS is to work with the GAU to address current issues being faced; discuss
future development plans and any changes to existing legislation/regulation
that will impact the industry; provide input on technical standards, and to
communicate regarding any other developments on matters that might be
applicable.
The GAS has formed a sound relationship with Eskom’s GAU, has established
regular, quarterly meetings with the unit and has attended a workshop -
with the GAU, T&D planning, the single buyers office and regional
representatives- regarding the REIPPPP and the related planning constraints.
In addition to this the GAS successfully contributed to the NERSA approved
Grid Connection Code for Renewable Power Plants.
A record of all the subcommittees meetings are available for download on
the SAPVIA website.
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2.2.2.7. Rooftop PV Subcommittee (RTSC)
The role of the RTSC, initially established in November 2011, is to work with
relevant industry stakeholders to overcome the barriers restricting the
growth of SA’s rooftop PV market. To this end the RTSC has been working
with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the
Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU), Eskom & NERSA,
amongst others, to pave the way for the uptake of rooftop PV in SA. The
committee also has representation on the NRS097 working group and the
SANS10142 revisions working group, with regular feedback from these
working groups being reported to the RTSC. The committee has established
a sound relationship with SALGA and is regularly invited to attend and
participate in their meetings and workshops.
Details of the RTSC activities can be found on the SAPVIA website.
2.2.2.8. Manufacturers Subcommittee (MS)
The MS was established late 2013 to engage with government, on behalf of
SAPVIA, around specific issues relating to local manufacturers, including
issues regarding local content rule definitions in order to comply with the
REIPPPP request for proposals (RFP). The MS is responsible for engaging
with government to understand, and contribute, to a meaningful position of
local content in the RFP, and has been working closely with the dti in this
regard.
Currently the subcommittee is working on the following focus areas:
- Defining clear rules to comply with the REIPPPP RFP: the proposed
rule changes have been agreed on by the dti and National Treasury
who have said the amendments will be included in a briefing note
for R4.
- Defining local content in the dti’s Manufacturing Competitiveness
Enhancement Programme (MCEP) – one of the key action
programmes of the Industrial Policy Action Programme (IPAP) - in
order to best support the local renewable energy manufacturing
industry: the proposed definition has been submitted to the dti and
been agreed on by the Department, and is to be implemented with
the revision of the programme.
- Nullifying the import duties on solar related products: the
subcommittee is in discussions with the dti who are working on
having this implemented.
- Establishing export incentives for locally manufactured products: the
subcommittee is in talks with the dti in terms of how best to
implement this.
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2.2.3. Provincial Government Initiatives:
Collaborate with the various governmental initiatives such as the Northern Cape
Energy Strategy, and the Eastern and Western Cape Government Skills Initiatives, to
play a supportive role to Government in shaping the skills programmes.
SAPVIA’s Chairperson, Davin Chown, has been actively involved in the Eastern Cape
Skills Development Forum having spoken at various conferences on skills development
in the energy sector and REIPPPP. SAPVIA has also participated in the setup of the SA
Renewable Energy Training Centre in the Western Cape and served on its advisory
committee, as we help to shape the curriculum for this centre as well as the
Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence in the Northern Cape.
2.2.4. Skills development and sector collaboration. Working with parties such as the EWseta,
SAPVIA has also provided input into a range of consultative engagements on issues
such as the role of the Seta’s, the RECE centre structure, fundraising for capacity
building amongst the youth as well as looking for ways to set up skills development
initiatives that will assist developer and IPP’s to create opportunities for youth
development.
2.2.5. Relationship Building:
Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders, in particular Ministers responsible
for the Strategic Infrastructure Programme; key Government agencies such as the
National Planning Commission; and key industry stakeholders such as BUSA and BLSA
in order to address industry concerns and communicate the advantages of solar PV.
- Minister of Energy:
SAPVIA Manco members have had informal engagements with both the new
Minister and her Deputy Minister on key issues around the REIPPPP and the future
of RE. A request for ongoing, regular meetings has been submitted and SAPVIA is
also awaiting confirmation on the changes in the DoE senior management structures
before proceeding with further meetings.
- National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA):
o Representatives of SAPVIA’s RTSC met with NERSA representatives (Mr Thembani
Bukula; Mr Brian Sechotlho & Mr Tamayi) to discuss licensing requirements and fees
for the connection of rooftop solar PV installations for self-use, specifically:
Embedded generation targets and policy guidelines of the IRP 2010 (2013
revision).
Embedded generation obstacles – connecting to LV and MV networks.
NERSA Licensing requirements for Generation. Trading and Reselling.
NERSA view to licensing municipal PPAs.
ESKOM, SALGA and SAPVIA existing and planned submissions on net
metering tariff, and status of NERSA regulations on net metering.
The meeting was positive and NERSA’s overall recommendation to SAPVIA was that
NERSA would not block self-use embedded generation projects. The detailed
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meeting notes are available on the SAPVIA website and SAPVIA has been invited to
schedule a follow-up meeting with NERSA.
NERSA has also embarked on a process to develop a document to prescribe and
guide the regulated entities in the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI), including
Renewable Energy (RE) Independent Power Producers (IPPs), on non-financial
information (NFI) required by NERSA. The targeted RE IPP technologies are Wind,
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). On the 9th of June 2014
Davin Chown and Chris Steinbach attended the NERSA stakeholder workshop to
provide comment on the non-financial information document, Volume 5. NERSA will
refine the comments and adapt the criteria according to the inputs and will circulate
the final documents for review to the IPP sector.
- Department of Trade and Industry (dti): Since its inception, representatives of
SAPVIA’s manufacturers subcommittee have engaged with the dti repeatedly on the
following issues:
The dumping of PV modules.
Redefining the definition of local content, and defining clear rules to comply
with the REIPPPP RFP.
Nullifying import duties on solar related products.
Establishing export incentives for locally manufactured products.
The status of these action items is as per point 2.2.3.3. of this document.
- National Treasury:
Individual members of Manco have had ongoing interactions with key members of
the Treasury IPP team. Discussions have centred around the RFP issues, local
content and the nature of the procurement process going forward.
- Deputy Minister of Finance:
SAPVIA met with the new Deputy Minister of Finance, Minister Mcebisi Hubert
Jonas, to strengthen relations with the Minister and his team. The new Minister
previously championed renewable energy in the Eastern Cape in his role as Eastern
Cape MEC for Economic Development, Finance and Environmental Affairs. The
meeting was positive, highlighting numerous areas of mutual concern and resulted
in a follow up meeting being scheduled which will include other stakeholders from
DoE and the Department of Public Enterprises.
- Business Unity South Africa (BUSA):
SAPVIA recently joined a group of business stakeholders that have come together to
develop a business platform to address the electricity & power supply crisis in South
Africa. A document has been drafted, namely “TOWARDS A COMMON BUSINESS
PLATFORM ON THE ELECTRICITY AND POWER SUPPLY CRISIS” that serves to
summarise the key issues that have been raised by the participating organisations.
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The document will form the basis for a consolidated business position on the current
power crisis. In the interim, BUSA has requested a meeting with Minister Joemat-
Pettersson to inform her of the process.
- Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA):
Together with SAWEA, SAPVIA has begun engaging with the DEA to provide a
regular, official forum to updates partie on key developments, discuss burning issues
and agree on actions to improve the quality of the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) process and products. At SAPVIA’s first engagement of this nature
in July 2014, the following issues were discussed:
The bidding process.
Proposed amendments to the EIA regulations.
DEA / DAFF interaction.
Streamlining of the EIA process.
Development of the EIA tracking system: National Environmental
Application System (NEAS).
The process to follow to split an Environmental Assessment (EA).
Reducing the number of amendments to EAs.
The next meeting will take place early 2015 and an invitation will be extended to
SASTELA to attend the meeting.
- Eskom:
As per point 2.2.3.1. of this document, SAPVIA has established a sound relationship
with Eskom and engages with the utility on a regular basis on issues such as grid
code developments, Eskom cost estimate letters (CELs), grid constraints for the
connection of REIPPPP projects and grid connection issues for rooftop applications.
SAPVIA representatives also attended a grid workshop with Eskom’s Grid Access
Unit, T&D Planning, the Single Buyers Office and regional representatives regarding
the grid planning constraints associated with the REIPPPP.
- GIZ review workshop:
The SAPVIA Chairperson met with GIZ senior staff and the DoE to shape the next
phases of the South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN).
SAGEN supports the Department of Energy, the South African National Energy
Development Institute (SANEDI) and other partners in developing and realising
initiatives to increase the country’s energy efficiency and use of renewable energy,
with the objective of improving conditions for investment in renewable energy and
energy efficiency in South Africa.
SAGEN provides technical solutions for integrating renewable energy into the grid
and innovative models for establishing a strong market for energy services.
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- BRICS Green Economy and Energy Working Group:
SAPVIA was invited to participate in this initiative and has done so on behalf of the
renewables industry. Ongoing meetings have been held with all the local and
international participants in order to facilitate business relationships between
companies in the BRICS countries wishing to enter SA and vice versa. Going forward
SAREC will get involved in this process.
- Solar Imbizo:
SAPVIA’s Solar Imbizo has been designed to provide an additional platform with
which to engage Government and further strengthen strategic relations. Structured
as an intimate forum held to Chatham House Rules, the Imbizo provides the
opportunity for government to consult the solar industry on information required to
facilitate decision making on the matter of how the localisation of a solar PV
manufacturing industry should be addressed beyond 2015.
- SAPVIA CEO:
A fundamental motivating factor for the creation of the CEO role within SAPVIAs
structures is to build capacity for more constant face-to-face interaction with key
Government and industry stakeholders. Going forward SAPVIA’s CEO will play a
critical role in achieving SAPVIAs relationship building strategic objectives.
- Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy:
SAPVIA regularly attends the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee meetings on Energy
(PPCE) and has attended numerous REIPPPP review sessions with the Committee as
well as with individual MP’s on the Committee.
2.2.6. Research Studies:
Identify and commission relevant research studies in order to shape key policy
dialogues with Government by ensuring the right research is in hand to back our
strategy and technology options.
SAPVIA is currently working on two new research studies. The first, ‘Local Content and
the Road Beyond REIPPPP 2015’ is being commissioned by SAPVIA and managed by
Arup. The goals of this study are to: 1) analyse the status and ability of current
processes in local development; 2) discuss Governments proposed Renewable Energy
Development Zones (REDZ) and the move away from developmental freedom and the
possible impacts on industry; 3) discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a suggested
deconstruction and separation of the RFP into three distinct programmes with
separate goals; 4) analyse how, in a push to develop a local manufacturing industry,
what steps must be taken to avoid a stranded market.
The second study, currently dubbed the ‘Energy Storage Initiative’, is a combined IDC,
SAPVIA, SAWEA and SANEDI initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to conduct a
study to: 1) establish the techno-economic viability of energy storage for PV and wind
independent power producers (IPP’s) and develop a business case for a differential
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electricity delivery tariff structure between normal and peak periods, similar to that for
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP); 2) convince the Department of Energy (DOE) to allow
such structure and achieve grid stability as an advantage.
2.2.7. Localisation Implementation Strategy:
Subsequent to the Localisation Study jointly commissioned by SAPVIA and the dti and
supported by the WWF, SAPVIA is to work with the dti to implement the actionable
findings of the research study.
To this end SAPVIA and the dti agreed to set up an ongoing, formalised meeting and
communication process, resulting in a meeting between the Department and SAPVIA’s
manufacturing subcommittee. The subcommittee has subsequently taken ownership
of this initiative as detailed in point 2.2.3.3 of this document.
2.3. Strategic Partnerships with other renewable energy associations
Strategic Objective: to coordinate with other renewable energy industry groups on lobbying
government stakeholders around common issues.
SAPVIA, under the auspices of the South African Renewable Energy Council (SAREC), has
been working in conjunction with SARECs three other founding members namely, the South
African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), the Sustainable Energy Association South Africa
(SESSA), and the South African Solar Thermal and Electricity Association (SASTELA), to
address common issues these industries incur. SAREC, who’s purpose it is to act as a
custodian and voice for the RE industry in South Africa, was established in response to a call
from Government in the Green Economy Accord (Pg. 19) to “establish an organisation that
will facilitate the renewable energy sector working in partnership with other social partners
in the development of the sector.”
Over the past year much of SAREC’s efforts have been focused on officially establishing
SAREC in terms of confirming and finalising funding from GIZ, setting up office space,
building a website for the council, creating a bank account for the council and formalising a
constitution for the council. During this time SAREC also responded to Eskom’s MYPD3
application, commented on the proposed carbon tax and officially launched SAREC to the
media, Government and industry.
Some key focus areas for SAREC for the remainder of 2014 are: taking action with regards
to the ISMO Bill; conducting a study into the number of jobs created in relation to the
REIPPPP local content criteria versus the price issue; ensuring the REDZ are developed and
implemented in the best interest of industry; engaging with the Minister of Energy, the
National Planning Commission (NPC) and the Deputy Minister of Finance; working with
relevant stakeholders to refine the REIPPPP RFP rules; and developing a position on, and
strategy to, involve the youth and women in SA’s RE industry.
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2.4. Communications
Strategic Objective: to raise national awareness of SAPVIA, its purpose and its value in its
three main target segments, namely: Government (provincial, national & local); Industry - in
particular energy intensive users (mines, industry, commercial rooftop market); and the
general public, making the various markets aware of the benefits of solar PV to South Africa
whilst simultaneously de-bunking negative perceptions around the technology. To position
SAPVIA as the leading PV association to join in South Africa and as knowledge leaders in this
sector. To influence government thinking, actions and policies in order to ensure the
development of a viable and sustainable solar PV market in South Africa.
2.4.1. Electronic Communication:
Continue to communicate regularly with SAPVIA members to advise and inform
members of current activities and latest legislative changes affecting the industry.
SAPVIA’s regular emailers to its members remains it’s most reliable and effective
communication tool, notifying members of events, meetings and webinars, as well as
soliciting participation in SAPVIA / industry initiatives.
2.4.2. Networking Events (NE’s):
Host regular networking events to: create a platform for dialogue with key
Government stakeholders; inform SAPVIA members and other guests of pertinent
industry developments; provide a networking opportunity for SAPVIA members and
other guests thereby facilitating business-to-business contacts among industry
stakeholders and providing a marketing platform for SAPVIA and the event sponsors.
Since the 2013 AGM SAPVIA has hosted five successful networking events. Herewith a
summary of those events:
Event 1: Held on 24 October 2013 at the Protea Hotel, Fire & Ice, Cape Town. The first
presentation of the afternoon was given by Andrew Bowden & Vivienne Roberts of
Arup, where the findings of the SAPVIA Market Assessment & Technology Cost & Value
Comparison Studies were presented and discussed. The second presentation was
delivered by our co-event sponsors, Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Studies,
Stellenbosch University’s Karin Kritzinger and Dr Bernard Bekker – who’s presentation
was titled “Unlocking the Rooftop PV Market in South Africa – Case Study: Hessequa
Municipality’.
Event 2: Held on 10 December 2013 at the Protea Balalaika Hotel, Sandton,
Johannesburg. The first presentation of the afternoon was given by Dr Bernard Bekker
from the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch
University. Dr Bekker delivered a very detailed and highly informative presentation on
‘Unlocking the Rooftop PV Market in South Africa – Case Study: Hessequa
Municipality’. Following Dr Bekker, was Eskom’s Mr Tobias Bischof-Niemz who
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provided the audience with valuable insights into ‘How to stimulate the Rooftop PV
Market in South Africa without putting Municipalities at risk’.
Event 3: Held on 18 March 2014 at The Pavilion Clocktower Conference Centre, V&A
Waterfront, Cape Town.
The event was well attended with just over 80 delegates on the day. Standard Bank
led the day’s proceedings with the first presentation of the afternoon delivered by the
Group’s Head of Renewable Energy, Power and Infrastructure, Ms Rentia van
Tonder. Rentia’s presentation was titled: “Financing for Solar PV: REIPPP, Rooftop,
Small IPP’s”. Following Rentia, Marc Copeland and Gareth Hockey, Regional Heads for
Foreign Exchange and Money Market Sales WC & Pretoria, jointly presented on
“Foreign Exchange: Movements & Volatility”. After the Standard Bank Group, two
representatives from TechnoServe South Africa – Sagay Moodliar, Country Director
and Fredrik Hedborg, presented on “The Importance of local presence in the
implementation of Economic Development Plans”.
Event 4: Held on 21 May 2014 at the Webber Wentzel Auditorium, Johannesburg. This
event offered three varying presentations. The first presentation of the afternoon
by Lydia Cape-Ducluzeau and Marshall Mabin from CSIR was on the ‘DEA strategic
environmental assessments for solar PV energy and for the expansion of the
transmission grid infrastructure’.
Following the CSIR presentation, Eskom’s Kevin Leask (Chief Engineer: Grid Planning
Transmission), delivered a detailed presentation around “2040 TDP with special
reference to Solar PV energy”.
Alessandra Pardini, Partner, Webber Wentzel: Projects – Finance Environment and
Development Practice, rounded off the day’s presentations with an in-depth discussion
entitled ‘Key Issues for EPC and O&M Contractors in the Renewable Energy IPP
Procurement Programme. Are the risks for these contractors diminishing as the
programme progresses?’
Event 5: Held on the 27th of August at the Clocktower Pavilion Conference Centre at
the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Sakkie Leimecke, Head of Energy at Nedbank Capital,
provided the headline presentation, followed by Lidia Afonso, SA Project Manager for
GreenMax Sustainability & Finance. SAPVIA’s Chairperson, Davin Chown, provided a
general industry and SAPVIA update, and Wido Schnabel, Chairperson of SAPVIA’s
Manufacturing Subcommittee updated guests on the status of the subcommittees
lobbying efforts.
2.4.3. Conference endorsements:
Make use of the conference endorsement platform to raise the profile of SAPVIA and
its spokespeople amongst its peers and key stakeholders, and to attract new members
to the association.
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Since the previous years’ AGM, SAPVIA has endorsed the following conferences:
The Africa Electricity Exhibition and Conference: 9 – 11 October 2014
The 8th Southern African Energy Efficiency Convention: 13-14 November
2013
As SAPVIA made the decision to host its own conference in 2014, the association will
refrain from endorsing any further industry conferences. SAPVIA will take the first step
forward to achieving this objective by co-hosting the Solar Indaba with Green Power
Conferences. The Solar Indaba takes place 22 – 24 October 2014, Sandton,
Johannesburg.
The key objectives of the conference are to:
- Create an additional revenue stream for SAPVIA.
- Serve as a platform for ongoing engagement with key stakeholders
to obtain further support for PV market development by relevant
government departments and providing them with the data to
facilitate decision making.
- Make tangible progress on key issues such as the REIPPP RFP
process, grid connection and net metering by assembling
international experts alongside domestic actors and documenting
discussions for future dialogue with government.
- Serve as a business to business networking opportunity for the PV
sector, connecting companies with new potential clients and
business partners.
- Drive SAPVIA membership and reaffirm SAPVIA’s position as an
influential industry body.
- Attract new international investors and actors to the South African
PV market.
- Create a single date in the conference diary that government and
industry view as the one PV event they must support, both in terms
of their attendance and sponsorship, and create a springboard for
the launch of a large scale congress in 2015.
- Increase the awareness and adoption of PV by South African
commercial and industrial power users through driving PR and
running on site workshops.
2.4.4. Public relations
Continuously refine, update and monitor SAPVIA’s PR programme to ensure alignment
with, and support of SAPVIA’s strategic objectives.
In July 2013 SAPVIA appointed Ogilvy PR (OPR) on a retainer basis for a six month trial
period. The appointment of the PR agency was to support and maximise the launch of
SAPVIA’s three research studies, to support the associations lobbying activities and to
help drive membership growth.
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The Rand value of the coverage received over the course of the retainer period amounted to: R 2 211 411.24 (Coverage Evaluation: A.V.E: 1:1). Total spend for the campaign period amounted to R198 399
Coverage was received in the following primary business media:
• M&G
• Business Report (Cape Times, Mercury, Pretoria News, The Star)
• Business Day
• Financial Mail
• Rapport
Trade media coverage consisted of:
• Green Business Guide
• Africa Green Media
• The Green Times
• Engineering News
In terms of the Localisation Study launch event OPR was tasked with:
- Drafting media invites
- Managing RSVP’s for the event
- Drafting and issuing press releases
- Securing and managing interviews
The result:
• Excellent coverage was received in trade and business press, as well as radio
interviews. The event provided a useful platform allowing media to interact directly
with SAPVIA board members.
Other topics presented to the media:
• Representation of successful rooftop projects
• Round 3 tariff
• 90 % local content potentially achievable for SOLAR PV Power Generation
• SOLAR PV offers unique value as power generating technology for SA
• Local is lekker for Solar PV
• SAPVIA Frost & Sullivan Report B
• M&G: Response to article of ‘Solar Power is not out of the starting blocks’
Response to Eskom electricity crisis
What worked well:
- Media: good relationships and consistent coverage in Die Burger and Engineering
News
- Press Releases: good mix of coverage in business & trade media
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- Media Event: effective in allowing media to meet SAPVIA board face-to-face
- Radio interviews: effective in bringing the message of solar PV and its benefits to the
general public
What could have been improved:
• More access to SAPVIA spokespeople for OPR
• Quicker approval processes from SAPVIA
• Strategically linking SAPVIA to third party initiatives
• Quicker tactical responses from OPR
2.4.5. SAPVIA website
Continuous updates and improvements to the website to ensure greater spread of,
and access to, industry related information with the objective of enhancing learning,
information sharing and to act as a portal to the South African PV industry.
SAPVIA’s website remains a vital and effective tool in terms of communication,
knowledge and information sharing, as well as a marketing tool driving the growth of
SAPVIA’s membership base however, room for improvement does exist. Upliftment of
SAPVIA’s website design, and restructuring the placement of information on the site
would make it a more user friendly and interesting place to visit, thereby enticing
members and visitors to spend more time exploring the content and encouraging user
interaction – ultimately leading to more interest and fulfilment as a marketing tool.
2.5. CSI and Skills Development
Strategic Objective: to ensure SAPVIA is seen as a critical role player in building future
energy engineers and professionals.
SAPVIA recognises that the accords on the Green Economy - Localisation and Skills
Development - entered into between government, civil society, business and labour, are
central to the implementation of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers
Programme. The sector associations have, by way of the Green Economy Accord signed in
November 2011, committed to working in partnership with government to strengthen and
contribute to the skills development initiatives aimed at training up artisans, technicians
and technical professionals in order to increase the number of skilled South Africans
qualified to build and operate plants in South Africa. Furthermore, in support of the IRP
2010 – 2030, the sector has committed to the job creation targets of 50 000 green jobs – of
which 6 500 are to be engineers and technicians.
It is critical that SAPVIA play a visible and integral supporting role in achieving these job
creation and skills development targets, however, despite the ambition to do so, resource
constraints have hampered the associations progress in this area. Going forward, this item
should become a high priority action item for the association.
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2.6. Funding
Strategic Objective: To continuously develop SAPVIA’s financing and funding channels and
models in order to ensure the association can roll-out its programme of action effectively
and create the capacity needed to meet its objectives.
SAPVIA has been pursuing the possibility of being granted funding through the dti’s Sector
Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS). The SSAS application process has been held up by
SAPVIA’s NPO application (a prerequisite for the SSAS application) due to: 1) complications
arising from amendments needing to be made to the association’s constitution and 2) the
slow response rate of the NPO office to SAPVIA’s application and queries.
However, it was confirmed in January this year that SAPVIA’s NPO application had been
approved and the association was supplied with its NPO number. As part of the funding
application SAPVIA is required to submit a three year business plan. To assist with the SSAS
application and the drafting of the business plan, SAPVIA has employed the services of
Unite Investment on a trade exchange basis. Unite Investment is handling the entire
application process, including the drafting of the business plan, in exchange for a SAPVIA
membership and some additional exposure to SAPVIA’s membership base.
The current status of the application is that the business plan is in the process of being
finalised after which it will be submitted to the dti for processing.
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4. Statutory
4.1. SAPVIA management board
To support the restructuring of SAPVIA’s Secretariat, changes to the terms of the Ordinary
member Commissioners were made, namely:
a. the term was extended from a one year to a two year term, and,
b. the rule prohibiting Ordinary Member Commissioners from standing for more than
two consecutive terms was relaxed in order to accommodate the transition process.
To further ensure continuity in the transition process, the term for the 2013 Ordinary
Member Commissioners was extended for another year - for members who were willing
and able to make themselves available. This was to ensure the protection of SAPVIA’s
institutional memory, and to allow new MANCO members elected (where current members
were not able to stay on for a further year) to get up to speed as soon as possible, and
ensure that overlapping succession planning took place.
The number of Ordinary Member Commissioners was also extended by adding two seats in
order to provide for new Ordinary Member Commissioners who will then, at the end of the
next year, be able to further take the transition forward, thus ensuring continuity of the
transition process once the current team steps down.
4.1.1. Of the 2013 Management Committee members, five of the seven members availed
themselves for the extended term, namely :
Chris Haw
Ryan Hammond
Mike Levington
Davin Chown
Rainer Nowak (Legal representative)
The following new Management Committee members were voted onto SAPVIA’s
Management Board at SAPVIA’s third AGM on the 6th of September 2013:
Wido Schnabel
Taru Madangombe
Gerard Dovids
Christopher Steinbach
4.1.2. As per the agreement to ensure continuity during the transition period, Davin Chown
and Mike Levington remained the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of SAPVIA
respectively.
4.1.3. Ryan Hammond and Chris Haw offered to serve another term as SAPVIA’s Treasurer
and Spokesperson respectively and this was supported and accepted by the fellow
Management Committee members.
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Annex 4: SAPVIA Financial Report 2013 / 2014
South African Photovoltaic Industry Association
Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2014
Statement of Financial Position as at 31 March 2014 Figures in Rand Note(s) 2014 2013
Assets
Non-Current Assets
Property, plant and equipment 2 84 539 10 092
Intangible assets 3 19 367 27 328
103 906 37 420
Current Assets
Trade and other receivables
4
27 167 Cash and cash equivalents 5 800 592 762 005
800 592 789 172
Total Assets 904 498 826 592
Equity and Liabilities
Equity
Retained income
483 206
363 873
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables
6
168 073
22 857
Deferred income 7 253 219 439 862
421 292 462 719
Total Equity and Liabilities 904 498 826 592
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Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2014
Detailed Income Statement
Figures in Rand Note(s) 2014 2013
Revenue
Subscriptions
1 508 399
1 110 787
Other income 2 209
Interest received 9
-
28 205
-5 997
Sponsorships 80 973 136 660
111 387 142 657
Operating expenses
Accounting fees 23 720 9 927
Advertising 43 491
Bad debts 6 811 11 507
Bank charges 6 413 7 371
Cleaning 352
Computer expenses 1 860 3 851
Consulting and professional fees 98 308 256 373
Consumables 7 635 7 176
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments 16 845 13 306
Employee costs 526 230 346 971
Entertainment - 1 833
IT expenses 8 220 -
General expenses 1 353
Lease rentals on operating lease 63 133
Levies 14 714
Magazines, books and periodicals 555 555
Municipal expenses 1 900
Parking expenses 5 775 -
Postage 739 624
Printing and stationery 4 972 4 915
Project/Campaign costs 204 169 167 753
Public relations 278 762
Repairs and maintenance 50
Research costs 107 902
Software expenses 181
Staff welfare 391
Subscriptions 74 268 23 394 Telephone and fax 12 623 2 380
Travel - local 32 825 22 238
1 500 451 923 110
Operating profit (loss) 119 335 330 334
Finance costs (215)
Profit for the year 119 335 330 119
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Annex 5: SAPVIA 2013-14 budget and actual spend
Budget
Actual
2013.14
2013.14
Opening balance 1 287 738.00
1 238 029.78
Subscriptions 1 546 000.00 1 217 983.33
- 26 Ordinary members - 22
- 75 Associate Members - 61
- 16 Individual members - 10
Sponsorships 360 000.00 58 166.25
Sponsorship - Research
Sponsorship - Events 360 000.00 58 166.25
Sponsorship - Membership
Other Sponsorships
Interest received 23 470.00
Total Income 1 906 000.00 1 299 619.58
Total expended funds available 3 193 738.00 2 537 649.36
Accounting and Admin 12 620.00 12 824.00
Advertising (PR) 395 295.00 198 399.47
Bad debts 6 811.00
Bank Charges 9 000.00 7 321.94
Consulting and Professional 212 210.00 141 239.38
Employee costs 585 472.00 468 247.35
IT and Website 26 420.00 9 501.15
Member events 430 000.00 117 369.55
Miscellaneous 10 100.00 13 613.24
Printing and Stationery 15 000.00 8 815.02
Rent and Telephone 187 200.00 146 902.15
Travel 75 000.00 32 397.39
EPIA Membership 24 476.00 14 714.20
SAREC 65 000.00 65 000.00
Depreciation 15 000.00 16 845.00
Research and Lobbying 200 000.00 20 071.24
Total expenses 2 262 783.00 1 256 416.08*
Surplus 930 955.00
Contingency 412 901.00
Discretionary 518 054.00
*True values as of 31 July 2014
49
Annex 6: SAPVIA budget forecast 2014 – 2015
Budget 2014.15
Opening balance
1 014 208.00
Subscriptions 1 722 705.00
Sponsorships
Sponsorship – Subscriptions 200 000.00
Sponsorship - Events 104 222.86
Conference Revenue 20 000.00
Total Projected Income 2 069 927.00
Total Expected Funds Available
3 084 136.00
Accounting and Admin 12 000.00
Advertising (PR) 45 000.00
Bad debts 8 000.00
Bank Charges 9 000.00
Consulting and Professional 215 124.40
Employee costs 1 473 833.15
IT and Website 41 304.00
Meetings: workshop & AGM 90 000.00
Miscellaneous 23 700.00
Printing & Stationery 20 000.00
Rent, telephone, ADSL, Insurance & Electricity 232 920.12
Travel 60 000.00
EPIA Membership 15 000.00
SAREC 153 591.68
Depreciation 17 000.00
Research and Lobbying 200 000.00
Total committed expenses 2 599 473.35
Overall Position at Year End 484 622.65
Contingency 446 583.00
Discretionary 38 079.00
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Annex 7: Candidates for Election onto SAPVIA
Management Board for 2014/2015
1. Linda Thompson
Current Position: Senior Manager, Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa
Linda has worked in the energy sector for 14 years, in various areas of the industry including trading,
biofuels and various forms of Renewable power and energy efficiency. She is a Senior Manager at
Mainstream, and has focused on developing the solar team and business in South Africa and has
developed a substantial portfolio of solar projects. She delivered 2 X 50 MW successful bids for
Round 1 – these projects are now exporting power to the SA grid. She has worked across Sub
Saharan Africa for a number of years. She was involved in initiating and founding the industry
association SAPVIA.
Linda was part of the group of people that effectively initiated the solar industry in South Africa and
therefore could bring extensive experience to SAPVIA. She has very good understanding of the
challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, in both the local and regional markets. Her great
relationship building attributes allow access to key role-players in South Africa and abroad and she
does not hesitate to ask the tough questions and addressing problems at hand.
Linda as SAPVIA board member will benefit the industry.
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2. Greg Austin
Current Position: Managing Director, juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd
Greg holds a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters degree in BioEngineering,
both from the University of Cape Town, and is a registered Professional Engineer with the
Engineering Council of South Africa. He has worked in the renewable energy sector since 1997, both
within South Africa and abroad and is currently Managing Director of juwi Renewable Energies (Pty)
Ltd based in Cape Town, a position which he has held for the past two years.
Greg’s experience in the RE sector covers engineering design and construction, technical consulting,
energy research and business management. He is well known in the sector for his expertise in the
bioenergy sector and for pioneering small biogas digester technology in the region. Greg has also
authored a number of academic and technical papers and book chapters on subjects including
thermal performance in low-income housing, and national programmes for the use of household
and institutional biogas systems. He was a primary author of the South African National Working for
Energy Programme.
Since 2003 Greg has served on the Board of private companies and non-profit organisations, as well
as a school governing body. Coupled with his strategic and governance experience, as the chief
executive of the local subsidiary of the global solar EPC and O&M company juwi AG – where he is
spear-heading the juwi Group’s vision of 100% Renewable Energy with a particular focus on solar PV
– Greg would bring valuable experience and industry perspective to the Board of SAPVIA.
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3. Davin Chown
Current Position: Director, Genesis Eco-Energy (Pty) Ltd
Davin has been involved in the SA renewables sector since 2001. He is a Director of both Genesis
Eco-Energy’s investment as well as development companies, as well as Pontus LeMarqueChown
Infrastructure Group and a Trustee of the LeMarqueChown Energy Trust. He is a former Director of
Mainstream South Africa having established the JV with MRP in 2009.
Davin is current Chairperson of SAPVIA, has served on the Board of SAWEA and is currently a SAPVIA
representative and founding member of the SA Renewable Energy Council.
Davin has over 14 years management consulting (IBM and Accenture), project development,
commercial, regulatory and policy development related experience in the government, resources
and energy sectors. He holds a B.Comm (UP), DPLR (UNISA SBL), Masters Degree in Management
(Wits University) and Sustainable Ecological Management (University of Pretoria). He has worked
closely with various private sector, NGO, trade union and Government stakeholders in building the
renewable energy (RE) sector in SA, and helping to create a policy, regulatory and investment
environment favourable to the RE sector.
Davin worked closely with industry bodies, civil society and Government in developing the Green
Economy Accord; ensuring industry access to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy;
shaping the energy inputs to the National Development Plan; working with various Eskom and
Government Departments by convening workshops to remove blockages in regulatory approvals
(e.g. Expert reference group SEA’s for the REDZ and Grid Planning); initiating discussions with the
National Treasury on a range of issues pertinent to the solar industry (ISMO etc.); providing input to
GIZ/SAGEN on the Rooftop Solar programme.
SAPVIA has grown significantly and has further entrenched itself in the RE landscape in South Africa
as a credible, well informed and proactive association that Government and other stakeholders take
seriously. If re-elected to the Board, I will continue to play a role in further strengthening SAPVIA so
that the association continues to play a leadership role in shaping the solar energy environment in
South Africa. I will continue to create the dialogue with the new Government leadership. With
critical policy and process initiatives underway (REDZ’s; SIP 8 and 10, ISMO review, IEP and IRP
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review); I hope to work with the leader team, sub-committees and member organisations to
strengthen our collective position in the market by addressing the needs of the members. The
Manco team have built an organisation with sound skills, expertise and presence in the market and I
hope to help further build on this if elected.
4. Mike Levington
Current position: Director, Kabi Energy
Mike has over 25 years’ experience of structuring and marketing commodity and energy transactions
in London, New York and South Africa. In 1998, he became Head of Commodities for Rand Merchant
Bank (“RMB”), a leading South African investment bank. Within that portfolio, Mike was also
responsible for managing RMB’s interest in NUFCOR International Ltd, and the Marketplace
Company, a company that specialised in establishing electricity markets and managed the New
Zealand and Singapore wholesale electricity markets and the New South Wales gas market. Mike
established an energy practice for RMB that advised clients, including large corporates and BEE
companies, which were interested in investigating opportunities in the South African energy sector.
In 2005, he became Chief Investment Officer of Worldwide African Investment Holdings, a leading
BEE investment house that focused on the sub-Saharan energy space. He successfully implemented
Worldwide’s entry into the coal-mining sector, and served for a number of years on the Coal
Industry Task Team (CITT), a committee representing stakeholders in the coal mining and
beneficiation sector.
Mike established Navitas Holdings (Pty) Ltd as a general energy investment holdings company in
2008, and which the 100% owner of Kabi Energy (Pty) Ltd, a black-owned and controlled renewable
energy development and investment company. Mike has served as a Commissioner on the
Management Board of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) since its
inception in October 2010.
Mike has served as Vice Chairperson of SAPVIA for the last 2 years and represents the association as
follows:
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Acting Chairperson of SAPVIA’s Grid Access Sub-committee
Acting Treasurer and board member of the South Africa Renewable Energy Council (SAREC)
Member of the Expert Reference Group for the SIP 8 & SIP 10 Strategic Environmental
Assessment process
Member of the oversight committee for the DOE/Eskom “Spatial Optimization of Solar PV in
South Africa” study
SteerCom member for the “Energy Storage for Solar PV and Wind” study alongside SAWEA,
IDC and SANEDI
SteerCom member for the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID)
Rooftop PV Feasibility Study
Mike has a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Leicester.
5. Dr Chris Haw
Current Position: Director, Aurora Power Solutions
Dr Chris Haw is the co-founder and director at Aurora Power Solutions, a solar PV project
development company; Managing Director of its subsidiary, SOLA Future (Pty) Ltd, a company
offering solar energy and demand management solutions to private energy consumers and a
director at Energy Amplified (Pty) Ltd an investment platform with a mandate to invest in a diverse
range of companies within the energy sector. Chris is also co-founder and current Spokesperson for
the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), representing over 120 member
companies.
Through SAPVIA Chris has successfully contributed to the lobby for increased quotas of photovoltaics
in the IRP2 and established the association as the leading industry body in the PV sector. Aurora
Power Solutions is a PV project development company that originated two Independent Power
Producer projects (each 10MW in size) which have entered 20 year energy sale agreements with
Eskom and are currently under operation. APS continues to develop projects under the REIPPP
program, most recently the Adams 75MW solar project being awarded preferred bidder status in the
third round of bidding. APS has a pipeline of several hundred MW under various stages of
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development. SOLA Future provides a full range of design, construct and operation services to
private energy consumers interested in generating financial savings through installation of solar
systems connected into their existing electricity usage. SOLA has a pipeline of 20MW of projects
under development and has completed the construction of a 702kW solar PV system at Black River
Park, Cape Town. Chris has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical engineering from the University of
Cape Town and a PhD in Biomedical engineering from the University of Oxford.
6. Ryan Hammond
Current Position: Managing Director, Solairedirect (Pty) Ltd
Ryan is the Managing Director of Solairedirect Southern Africa, the regional subsidiary of the French
Solar IPP company Solairedirect. The company is one of only two PV manufacturers in South Africa
and employs an integrated business model covering development, EPC and PV module
manufacturing. He has over 15 years of international commercial experience, the last eight of which
have been in the renewable energy industry in Europe and South Africa.
Ryan was a founding member and Business Development Director of Olive Green Energy and Wind
Ventures, UK based companies specialising in the development, financing, construction, and
operation of renewable energy assets in Europe.
In 2009 Ryan returned to South Africa to set-up Solairedirect Southern Africa and is in charge of the
day to day operations of the business. In 2010 Ryan was one of eight individuals who together
conceived of and founded SAPVIA. Since its inception Ryan has played an active role in the
association and he currently serves as the Association’s Treasurer. Solairedirect has successfully
completed the development, bidding, funding, financial close and construction of two Solar PV
Projects in South Africa, giving Ryan a unique perspective across the entire value chain of PV project
development, deployment and construction.
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7. Dr Rainer Nowak
Current Position: Director, Webber Wentzel
Dr. Rainer Nowak is a director in the Corporate Practice Group at Webber Wentzel Attorneys. He
has been a member of the Management Board of the South African Photovoltaic Industry
Association since 2011.
Having completed his studies at the University of Heidelberg in Germany and at the University of
Stellenbosch in South Africa, he commenced his professional career at the Frankfurt offices of
Clifford Chance. He relocated to South Africa in 2001, taking up a position in the corporate
department of another prominent South African law firm, before joining Webber Wentzel in 2006.
Specialising in foreign investment into South Africa, Dr. Nowak's practice has included a strong focus
on the renewable energy sector in South Africa almost since its inception. He has advised a range of
clients in renewable energy projects in South Africa, Namibia and Kenya. His clients include
prominent international project developers, sponsors, financiers, contractors and component
suppliers. Dr. Nowak has closely followed, and advised on, the current IPP Procurement
Programme, and is an expert on the framework applicable to renewable energy projects in South
Africa.
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8. Kevin Robinson
Current Position: Business Development Manager, Renesola South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Kevin started his career as an electrical engineer working in R&D for a company designing and
manufacturing steerable antennas for satellite communication. Later in his career he worked in
various roles within the South African PV market. He has been involved in the PV module
manufacturing business as well as various sectors in the industry ranging from rural electrification,
solar pumping, telecommunications, hybrid mini-grids, utility scale power plants and project
development. He was involved in the initial steering committee which established SAPVIA as well
lobbying for the inclusion of solar PV in the IRP 2010.
Kevin has a diploma in electrical engineering light current from Cape Peninsula University of
Technology as well as various renewable energy and executive development short courses with the
University of Stellenbosch and UCT Graduate School of Business
I have varied experience across all sectors of the industry and as such I feel that I will be able to
represent the interests of all SAPVIA members not only in one segment. My desire will be to try to
bring a more balanced and diverse membership from many different segments. I would also like to
use it as an opportunity to continue trying to reach a resolution on local content both for inverters
and modules.
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Annex 4 - Candidates for Election onto SAPVIA Management
Board for 2015/2016 Term
9. Frank Spencer
Current Position: Head: Commercial and Industrial Business Development, First Solar
Frank, with an MSc in Engineering and a BPhil in Sustainable Development, is an engineer by
background with 15 years’ experience in the solar industry. He was instrumental in the installation of
some of the first on-grid and off-grid solar PV projects in Southern Africa. In addition he has founded
a solar PV business, designed and commissioned numerous large off-grid and rooftop solar PV
installations, and has been actively involved with SAPVIA since her inception. He is well known in the
industry for being an ethical and passionate supporter of renewables, and currently chairs the
SAPVIA embedded generation sub-committee. His current employment is with First Solar where he
heads up their Commercial and Industrial Business Development division while providing technical
support to EPCs.
10. Christian Cronje
Current position: Finance Director: EMEA at juwi.
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Christian is juwi’s Finance Director for the EMEA region. He has more than 10 years’ international PV
industry experience in South Africa, Europe and Australia.
juwi has been successful as a developer, EPC and O&M company in the REIPP programme. Christian
therefore has a thorough understanding of the entire project life-cycle, from development to
financing, construction and operation of utility scale projects in South Africa.
Prior to joining juwi, Christian was the Finance Director of Hanwha Q-Cells in Australia. Australia’s PV
market is driven primarily by the residential sector and, following a number of policy changes over a
short period of time, Christian experienced first-hand the impact that regulatory change can have on
the industry.
From 2005 to 2010 Christian was the CFO of a Swiss PV company. He was responsible for raising
more than USD 100 million in debt and equity financing for the (then) start-up company to build a
new manufacturing facility for thin-film modules. During this period he gained valuable experience in
managing the challenges inherent in PV module production - both internally to the company and the
external challenges of an industry exposed to global risks. These include changes to national
incentive schemes and worldwide production capacity fluctuations.
Christian started his career at Ernst & Young’s Corporate Finance Division in Cape Town. He is a
Chartered Accountant (SA) with a Masters Degree in Finance from Cambridge University.
Christian’s extensive international PV industry experience, gained in different market segments and
across the value chain, will allow him to bring valuable perspective to SAPVIA.
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11. Sanjay Soni
Current Position: Executive Director: Black Lite group
Sanjay is a qualified chartered accountant, having previously held senior positions with the following:
Director: Corporate Finance with Ernst & Young;
CEO: Harvey World Travel – providing corporate and leisure travel management;
COO: Spartan Technology Rentals – a niche asset based financier;
Executive director: Emerge Capital – a niche investment and advisory boutique; and presently:
Executive director: Black Lite group Sanjay has extensive experience in leading and managing organisations. His core experience and
expertise extends to and includes:
Executive business management;
Business development;
Corporate finance;
Human resource management;
Project management; and
Renewable energy.
Sanjay is an entrepreneur at heart, having established various businesses over the last 15 years. He is
passionate about health and wellness, and considers himself to be a ‘sports’ fanatic’.
Sanjay presently assumes an executive role in the Black Lite group. The provides niche strategy and
sustainability consulting services, focused on B-BBEE strategy advisory and consulting, and is also a
principal investor in renewable energy.
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12. Christopher Steinbach
Current Position: Managing Director, Yingli Green Energy Africa
As a representative in the PV manufacturing sector, Christopher Steinbach heads up the team for
Yingli Green Energy Africa, as Managing Director. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (UNISA)
in Strategy, Finance and Marketing, complimented by an Engineering Diploma. Christopher has
extensive executive experience at a global level, particularly in commercial and strategic business
development areas within dynamically evolving high tech industries. He is known for being
relationally strong, with the ability to drive change and results at different levels of the business,
focusing efforts on motivating, directing, and steering transformation in areas that have impact on a
broader level. Christopher contributes a wealth of experience that has been gained from his
extensive business background in various industries, Renewable Energy Sector, Business Consulting,
Engineering services, Project management, Construction industry and Automotive sectors. His
support for the success of PV technology in the energy sector stems from over 20 years of business
expertise and in-depth knowledge of the African market, their governments, and the role that
energy has to play in this developing continent. Green, Affordable, and Secure Energy are priority
focus areas for government’s the world over. Particularly South Africa and Africa, with their extreme
irregularities and shortages of power, requiring long term sustainable energy production, where
both product and installations are intended to relieve future energy burdens, encourage foreign
investment, and create jobs, and should not generate more problems down the line. As a leading
technology, PV supports quick roll-out, which accommodates the sense of urgency that surrounds
energy requirements in South Africa at this time.
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13. Wido Schnabel
Current position: Head of Strategic Alliances & Business Development Middle East & Africa: Canadian Solar Wido’s driving factor is his passion for the renewable energy sector and especially for Solar PV. Born
in Namibia, the county with the second best Solar values he is a real driver for the SolarPV industry.
As South Africa is the sunshine country blessed with this biggest resource of nature, he believes it
should be used to its fullest potential. “We need to build on the excellent work done by SAPVIA in
the last years and lobby within all stakeholder groups to fast track the rollout of PV. Solar PV can
help with our energy crises, but also create a new industry with a lot of work opportunities.” With
his phrase “Africa will jump the Grid !” he opens a market for the real distributed generation
solution to electrify Africa and with his recent comment to use mines to solve the energy storage
issue he opened a new debate to make Solar the primary generation method in Africa.
As a representative of one of the bigger Solar PV manufacturers in the world, Canadian Solar, Wido
would be able to support the lobby engagements of SAPVIA on government level and put all efforts
in to helping to build this new industry.
Wido serves as on the board of the German International School in Cape Town and has experience
with negotiations and lobby work on government level. Wido’s other passion lies in education and
skills development, and with his experience in this field, believes he would be able to add great value
to SAPVIA.
Wido has studied Business Administration and Computer Science in Munich, Germany and has
worked in the IT industry for over twenty years, for companies such as Nixdorf Computers, Novell,
Microsoft in Europe and Candor Technology in South Africa. In 2009 Wido moved into the renewable
energy field with his own company Candor Renewables, doing Waste to Energy Solutions and biogas,
and then moving on to Schott Solar. Wido currently holds the position of Head of Strategic Alliances
& Business Development Middle East & Africa at Canadian Solar.
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14. Taru Madangombe
Current Position: Business Development Manager: Power and Renewable Energy, Proconics
He is currently part of the SAPIVA Board. He has previously also served on SAPVIA’s Eskom’s Grid
Access Sub Committee, where he performed the role of the Grid Code portfolio representative. He
has also represented SAPVIA at various conferences and workshops.
Taru is a registered Professional Engineer with ECSA and has strong interests in the growing South
African Renewable energy industry. He has been actively involved in the South African renewable
energy industry for the past decade. He completed his Master in Engineering at UCT where his
research work looked into investigating the technical impacts and considerations of connecting
renewable power on the South African network. He has done a lot of work on renewable energy
integration, where he has also written several journal and conference papers on the renewable
energy development in South Africa and internationally. His main interests are in, power systems
analysis and modeling, network planning, renewable energy integration and the entire renewable
energy business. He is a senior electrical engineering consultant in the power engineering sector and
utility business looking into design, analysis, and technical and financial due diligence of renewable
energy projects.
Taru has a very good understanding of the Eskom grid/network, therefore has extensive knowledge
on some of the policy and technical concerns (including grid codes) regarding the successful
integration of Solar PV Systems without adversely compromising the safety and security of the
Eskom grid. He has also been actively involved in various renewable energy projects, including the
feasibility studies to facilitate the Connection of a 100 MW CSP Plant in the Northern Region, and
several other application requests for various prospective solar PV and CSP developers.
Taru has also been involved with SAWEA since its inception a few years ago and has continued to
actively participate in their programmes and activities aimed at setting up a successful wind energy
industry in South Africa. As the renewable energy lead at Proconics, he is mostly involved in helping
to grow their renewable energy business so as to increase their footprint across South Africa.
Qualifications
MSc. Eng. (Electrical) – Renewable Energy Integration, UCT, BSc. Eng. (Electrical), UCT
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Programme in Project Management, UP MBA Candidate - GIBS
15. Ayanda Nakedi
Current Position: Head: Renewable Energy Unit, Eskom
Ayanda Nakedi currently heads up Eskom’s renewables unit and has 20 years of energy experience
behind her. This experience has spanned working in what has been traditionally a man’s world
(General Manager of Strategy, Technology and Assurance in the Generation Division) to that of a
nurturing socially conscious role as the CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation. This diverse
exposure has equipped her with the skills required to lead Eskom’s renewables unit and she does so
with an astute fervor.
Ayanda hails from Ezibeleni in Queenstown, now resides in Centurion, is married and has two
children. She is a Board member of South African Wind Energy Association, Board member of
TAP(Trans-Africa projects) and Eskom Finance Company. In 2013 Ayanda was awarded with the
prestigious Leadership Award of Boss of the Year.
Under her guidance Eskom is implementing its first two utility scale renewable projects, the 100 MW
Sere Wind Farm near Vredendal in the Western Cape and the 100 MW Upington Concentrating Solar
Plant in the Northern Cape.
She is a passionate, driven individual who seeks to deliver on Eskom’s commitment towards
reducing its carbon emissions and in so doing seeks innovative solutions to achieve this objective.
She thrives on a challenge and believes that the developments in the current energy milieu is going
to radically change the way we view energy and is history in the making.
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