One incentive for action might be the significant percentage of the population that does not have access to grid electricity. Due to the dispersed nature of villages, modular, renewable energy technologies are an economically efficient and environmentally benign means of providing electricity to a larger percentage of the population. South Africa has significant solar resources, and the potential for this resource to reduce coal consumption and provide electricity to rural villages is beginning to be exploited. Solar power will be introduced into 50,000 homes as a result of a joint agreement between Eskom, the national power supplier of South Africa, and Shell International Renewables. A solar panel, charge-controlled battery and a metering unit can be installed in homes, without owners having to pay the large upfront costs often associated with such systems.
Customers purchase a magnetic card that activates the solar home for a period of thirty days.
After thirty days, customers must purchase another card to activate the system. South Africa in a Regional Perspective Issues such as acid rain and climate change are regional or global by nature. Limited electricity trade is taking place among member utilities. South Africa is currently negotiating natural gas trade agreements with Mozambique and Namibia. The non-profit program promotes sustainable rural development through appropriate use of renewable energy technologies.