Decision to impose duties on PV modules met with mixture of surprise and support

The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has expressed surprise at government’s decision to introduce a 10% import duty and rebate on “photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panels” in the absence of consultations with domestic consumers. The trade measure has also been implemented ahead of the formal launch of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), which is meant to guide the industrialisation of renewable-energy value chains. The launch of SAREM is believed to be imminent, with some of the contents of the plan having already been reported in the media.