Farmers could save up to 54% by switching to solar

Eskom’s electricity prices are climbing higher than ever, and with a potential 38% increase coming next year, Mzansi farmers are feeling the heat.

The current Ruralflex tariff, one of the most expensive in the country, is making energy costs nearly unbearable for the agriculture sector. But there’s a bright spot: solar energy. With solar, farmers could save up to 54%, keeping their operations sustainable and their wallets a little happier.

Ross Simmonds, managing director of Afgri Financial Solutions, says more farmers are considering it to combat rising energy costs.

“With energy costs rising rapidly, we are seeing a significant move by farmers to roll out solar to alleviate increasing financial pressures, and we anticipate this shift to grow in 2025 as further tariffs come into play,” he explains.

Electricity is essential to modern farming – powering everything from irrigation systems to cooling equipment. Solar is emerging as a more affordable and sustainable option, especially with lower prices on technology and new financing options that allow farmers to stabilise energy costs for the long haul.