A newly installed solar field with 5 MW of power output will supply at least 7,000 homes in South Africa with energy, Deutsche Welle (DW) reported. However, according to one farmer who is leading a 2,000 MW project, the country’s solar energy potential extends far beyond this reach.

“There are two big advantages, especially to solar PV technology,” farmer Anthony Corin said. “The one is the accuracy of the simulations; the yield over an extended period. And second, the tariffs guaranteed through the power purchase agreement.”

DW also reported that by 2030, the South African government will have supported the construction of solar power plants that will collectively provide 8 GW of solar power. While there are 64 major renewable projects in the works across South Africa, the country first has to expand the capacity to support the projected 2030 goals.