Infinity Power selects AIKO for 773.5 MW solar portfolio in South Africa
Infinity Power has selected AIKO to supply high-efficiency solar modules for three utility-scale solar projects in South Africa with a combined capacity of 773.5 megawatt-peak (MWp). The agreement marks the companies’ first project collaboration in South Africa and takes their cumulative solar project cooperation across Africa beyond 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp).
The projects will use AIKO’s All Back Contact (ABC) solar modules across the Highveld, Onderstepoort Solar 1 and Onderstepoort Solar 2 developments. Together, the installations are expected to generate more than 1,871 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually once operational.
The agreement comes as South Africa seeks to expand its renewable-energy capacity and improve the economics of large-scale solar generation.
Infinity Power solar portfolio expands South African renewable energy
The three projects form part of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, under Bid Window 7.
Highveld is located in Mpumalanga, while Onderstepoort Solar 1 and Solar 2 are situated in the country’s North West region. The projects will operate under planned 20-year power purchase agreements with Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity utility.
Construction will be carried out under two engineering, procurement and construction packages. Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy will handle the Highveld project, while PowerChina Guizhou Engineering will undertake the two Onderstepoort developments.
Infinity Power secured 1.28 GW of solar capacity in the latest bidding round, the largest allocation among successful bidders, according to the announcement.
The projects form part of the company’s wider expansion across Africa, where it is developing solar and wind capacity to support growing electricity demand.
Infinity Power solar portfolio uses AIKO ABC module technology
AIKO will supply approximately 1.195 million ABC solar modules, identified as the AIKO-A645/650-GRH66Dw series.
The modules use All Back Contact technology, which places electrical contacts on the rear of the solar cell. This design reduces shading on the front surface and allows more of the cell to be used for generating electricity.
AIKO says its modules can achieve conversion efficiency of up to 24.1%. Their high power output is intended to reduce the number of modules needed for a given installation, potentially lowering associated costs for mounting structures, cabling and other balance-of-system components.
The modules are also designed to maintain performance in high-temperature environments. AIKO reports first-year degradation of no more than 1%, followed by annual degradation of 0.35% from the second year through year 30.
For utility-scale developments operating under long-term power purchase agreements, module efficiency and degradation rates can influence lifetime electricity generation and project economics.
Infinity Power solar portfolio targets significant emissions reductions
The three developments are expected to deliver substantial electricity generation and emissions benefits once they enter commercial operation.
Highveld is expected to produce enough electricity to power approximately 167,000 homes while avoiding around 660,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Onderstepoort Solar 1 and Solar 2 are expected to supply electricity equivalent to the needs of approximately 289,000 homes and avoid more than 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Combined, the projects are expected to avoid approximately 1.7 million tonnes of annual emissions, based on estimates cited by the companies.
These figures are projections rather than operational results. Actual generation and emissions reductions will depend on project completion, operating conditions and the electricity generation displaced by the solar facilities.
Infinity Power solar portfolio strengthens Africa partnership with AIKO
The South African agreement builds on two earlier collaborations between the companies in Egypt.
These include the 258.5 MWp Nefer Benban project and the 1.2 GWp Nefer Menya development. With the latest agreement, their cumulative cooperation across Africa exceeds 2 GWp.
For AIKO, the partnership extends its solar module supply relationship with a major renewable-energy developer into another African market. For Infinity Power, the agreement adds high-efficiency photovoltaic technology to a growing portfolio of utility-scale projects.
Infinity Power is a joint venture between Infinity and Masdar. The company develops, builds and operates renewable-energy projects across Africa, with a focus on solar and wind power alongside technologies such as battery storage.
It has stated a target of reaching 10 GW of operational capacity by 2032.
Infinity Power solar portfolio reflects changing project economics
The agreement highlights how technology selection is becoming increasingly important in competitive renewable-energy auctions.
As tender tariffs decline, developers must balance module costs against efficiency, reliability, installation requirements and long-term electricity output. Higher-output modules can reduce the number of components required, while stable performance over decades can support revenue predictability under long-term power purchase agreements.
For South Africa, the projects add to efforts to expand electricity generation from renewable sources. For the wider African market, the agreement illustrates how international technology suppliers and regional developers are working together to scale utility-level solar infrastructure.
The next milestones will be construction, delivery and commissioning. The projects’ eventual contribution to electricity supply and emissions reductions will depend on their execution and successful entry into commercial operation.