A bright mission
Update on our ambitious goals
Solar energy for all. It can be done. With these words, brothers Patrick and Milan van der Meulen founded Soly in 2013. Since then, thousands of solar worshippers have switched to solar energy with us every year and Soly has grown into a leading, and also mission-driven, organisation.
Every day, we enthusiastically work on smart solar solutions and tackle the energy transition with both hands. So we can all enjoy affordable, sustainable and independent energy as soon as possible. Our goal? Getting solar back to #1 as an energy source within ten years. This is an ambitious goal, and we are not there yet.
The sun back to its rightful place
Just as our earth rotates, everything at Soly revolves around the sun. For nature, the sun has always been the greatest energy supplier. The smartest, most beautiful and strongest energy source on earth. It does not pollute our horizon, but treats us to magical sunrises and sunsets. Like nature, we can once again enjoy the sun as energy source number one. And we are closer to this future than you might think. This is a leap forward for our earth. And for humanity, it means going back to the reliable energy source that has powered us for millions of years.
fossil versus renewable
What does the current energy mix look like?
Fossil fuels have brought us much in recent decades, but at a price. We are increasingly aware that we are still too dependent on fossil fuels within the current energy mix, and see the effect on our living environment. As a result, switching to green power is no longer a choice, but actually necessary. Over the past five years, we have made great strides all over the world. In 2022 alone, the share of renewable electricity, wind and solar energy, increased big time in several continents. At the same time, the share of fossil fuels in the energy mix is falling. This trend looks set to continue in the coming years.
The share of renewable energy is also growing around us, which is good. In 2023, for instance, record growth in wind and solar energy is expected worldwide. To illustrate, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects capacity growth of 440 gigawatts of renewable energy in 2023; 107 gigawatts more than a year earlier in 2022.
Contribution of renewable energy technologies in South Africa
In line with global growth in the share of renewable energy within the energy mix, the same is now visible in South Africa. Although coal still dominates the energy mix in South Africa with 70% to 80%, the increasing share of renewable energy can be seen on the surface. Renewable energy technologies such as solar PV and wind increased to a total of 6.2 GW in 2022, contributing to the energy mix with 7,3%. Moreover, this share is expected to grow even more so in 2023.
In addition, a noticeable decline can be observed in the CO2 emissions of South Africa in 2022. This shows that, despite the persistent problems with load-shedding, South Africa is now on the right track with regard to the energy transition.
Financial resilience renewable energy sector
The strong growth in the share of renewable energy is admirable. Indeed, the year 2022 was characterized by volatile commodity prices, rising interest rates, supply chain constraints and trade measures. It shows that the renewable energy sector is resilient even under changing circumstances.
The role of solar energy in the energy transition
Both nationally and worldwide we are now working on the energy transition. The African continent wants to be carbon neutral by no later than the year 2050. Solar energy contributes on a large scale to this mission. In South Africa, there are even more interests at play. Here, solar energy can act as a decisive solution to the power blackouts faced by households and businesses.The energy transition therefore involves not only the transition to alternative, renewable energy sources, but also putting in place the infrastructure to make it all possible.
The sun on top
We want to put the sun on one, and believe it can be done. It is the only inexhaustible renewable energy source, whose supply of energy will never run out. In recent years, the share of renewables compared to fossil fuels within the energy mix has grown significantly. At the same time, we see nationwide, European and global growth and commitment in contributing to the energy transition. Thanks to global, but also mostly local collaborations and initiatives, it is visibly clear that the renewable energy sector can continue to grow.
This is how we do it at Soly
Soly wants to contribute to this nationally, Europe-wide and of course in South Africa by taking our efforts to a broader level. We are expanding as a company and growing our proposition into new sustainable solutions that will make us even more independent of fossil fuels in the future. Renewable energy is the future, and solar energy is going to play a decisive role in it.
Our goal and mission motivate us to go the extra mile every day. We do so together with you. We are expanding our proposition and building a robust vision for the coming years. Together, we put the sun at one and expand our impact on the immediate environment. Become part of the energy transition yourself and contribute to the sustainable world of tomorrow.
Join the energy revolution
Want to join the energy revolution? Or discover more about the benefits of solar energy? Then find more inspiration about solar panels and the home battery at Soly, and discover how we make solar energy accessible to everyone.
