JA Solar and ARTsolar localise DeepBlue 4.0 Pro module production for Hydra project

The initial set of modules produced domestically has been delivered exclusively for the 216MW Hydra solar project, a development led by TotalEnergies and constructed by Powerchina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited (HDEC).

This achievement marks a major step for South Africa’s renewable energy landscape, representing the first-ever local production of n-type PV modules. It underscores a pivotal advancement in the country's photovoltaic manufacturing capacity and reinforces JA Solar’s enduring support for South Africa’s renewable energy development and broader socio-economic progress.

To align with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s local content mandates under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), JA Solar entered into a strategic collaboration with ARTsolar, South Africa’s leading manufacturer of PV modules. This alliance successfully merged JA Solar’s advanced n-type PV technology with ARTsolar’s local production experience to enable the domestic manufacturing of DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules.

Establishing local production for these sophisticated modules involved a significant upgrade of ARTsolar’s facility into a modern 340MW production line. The effort required both companies to navigate complex challenges—modifying manufacturing equipment and processes, training skilled personnel, obtaining essential product certifications, and setting up rigorous quality assurance and logistics frameworks. The transition demanded notable investment, coordination, and determination.

“This is more than a manufacturing achievement—it’s a strategic step forward for South Africa’s energy independence,” “We are proud that the Hydra project will be powered by JA Solar modules made on South African soil. This successful localisation effort shows our commitment to combining global innovation with local action, supporting the country’s clean energy goals and industrial growth.”

Beyond supplying the Hydra project, this initiative contributes to strengthening South Africa’s solar manufacturing sector by reducing reliance on imports and increasing domestic production capacity. Through partnerships with local academic institutions, ARTsolar has invested in technical training and workforce development, resulting in the creation of 150 permanent jobs so far, with further employment opportunities anticipated as operations expand.

With projections positioning South Africa among the world’s top ten solar markets by 2030, JA Solar’s move into local production confirms its intention to be a long-term contributor to the region’s energy transition. The collaboration brings together China’s advanced solar technologies and Africa’s sustainability objectives, laying the foundation for a more energy-secure and environmentally responsible future powered by homegrown solar solutions.