JA Solar Expands Local Production of Modules

Key Figures & Findings: JA Solar, a global PV manufacturer and leading supplier in Africa, has begun local production of its high-efficiency DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules in South Africa, marking the country’s first mass manufacturing of n-type photovoltaic modules. The milestone was made possible through a strategic partnership with ARTsolar, South Africa’s top PV module producer, in line with local content requirements under the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The first batch of modules was deployed exclusively to the 216MW Hydra solar project, developed by TotalEnergies and built by PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited (HDEC).

Statistics & Insights: JA Solar and ARTsolar upgraded the latter’s facility to a 340MW production line, overcoming certification, logistics, and personnel training hurdles. The initiative has already created 150 permanent jobs, with more expected as operations scale.

Future Implications: If this localization trend continues, it could strengthen its energy supply chain and industrial resilience. Additionally, by 2026, the success of this model may attract further foreign direct investment and establish new manufacturing clusters in other provinces.

Source: SolarQuarter