GCL Solar Connect: South Africa 2026 concluded successfully yesterday at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg, bringing together leading voices from South Africa’s renewable energy sector for an exclusive evening of strategic dialogue, executive networking, and industry collaboration.
Hosted by GCL System Integration, the invitation-only executive networking event welcomed project developers, EPC companies, distributors, installers, independent power producers (IPPs), investors, corporate energy buyers, technology providers, and other key stakeholders from across the solar value chain. The event served as a high-value platform for meaningful discussions around the opportunities, challenges, and partnerships shaping South Africa’s rapidly evolving solar market.
The evening commenced with a networking reception, followed by a welcome address and an insightful keynote presentation delivered by Mr. Agreepa Neduvhuledza, Deputy Chair of the Residential PV Working Group at the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) and Co-Founder & Group CEO of Ethereal Renewables. His keynote explored South Africa’s renewable energy transition, highlighting the importance of policy, innovation, industry collaboration, and private sector participation in accelerating the country’s clean energy ambitions.
The event also featured a presentation by Mr. Chander Mani Sharma, Strategy & Business Development Director – MEA, GCL System Integration, who shared GCL’s vision for strengthening partnerships, supporting customers across the region, and enabling sustainable growth through advanced solar technologies and integrated energy solutions.
A key highlight of the evening was the executive panel discussion titled “Building the Next Phase of Solar Growth: Market Trends, Partnerships & Supply Chain Strategies.” Moderated by Ms. Chanda Nxumalo, Managing Director of Harmattan Renewables, the session brought together an esteemed panel of industry experts, including:
- Mr. Agreepa Neduvhuledza – Deputy Chair, Residential PV Working Group, SAPVIA & Co-Founder and Group CEO, Ethereal Renewables
- Mr. Melusi Tshabalala – Chief Executive Officer, Mesama Energy
- Mr. Chander Mani Sharma – Strategy & Business Development Director – MEA, GCL System Integration
- Mr. Ross Matthews – Director, Green Power Energy Solutions
- Mr. Gabriel Kroes – Head of Engineering, Impower Pty Ltd.
The discussion covered a wide range of topics influencing South Africa’s solar industry, including evolving market trends, investment opportunities, strategic partnerships, strengthening local supply chains, the growing energy needs of commercial and industrial consumers, and the increasing role of integrated solar-plus-storage solutions in delivering long-term value.
The panel emphasized that collaboration across the renewable energy ecosystem will be critical to supporting South Africa’s continued energy transition and unlocking the next phase of market growth.
The event concluded with an interactive audience Q&A session, followed by an executive business networking cocktail and gala dinner, where attendees continued conversations, explored new partnerships, and strengthened business relationships in a relaxed and collaborative environment.
The strong attendance and active participation throughout the evening reflected the growing momentum within South Africa’s solar sector and reinforced the importance of dedicated platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and business development.
Building on the success of the South Africa edition, GCL Solar Connect will continue its executive networking series with the Morocco edition, bringing together another distinguished group of renewable energy leaders to strengthen partnerships and support clean energy growth across the region.
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