VWGA completes solar panel project at Component Plant

Reinforcing their commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has completed a photovoltaic solar panel project at their Component Plant in Kariega, Eastern Cape.

26 V Wsola1r

The project, completed in June 2026, comprises 1 410 solar panels mounted on the roofs of the building and its car park, as well as a ground-mounted portion. This facility has a capacity of about 0,88MWp, and is the latest addition to VWGA’s renewable energy projects.

VWGA previously completed a multi-phase solar panel installation over their employee car park, which included 9 294 panels with a capacity of 5.2MWp, capable of producing 7 125MWh annually. Additionally, similar solar panel projects were completed on the roof of the Final Assembly building (1,7MWp) and the engine plant (1MWp).

Seen here are Mike Petrie, Ulrich Schwabe, Ntsapokazi Ningiza and Pano Mantatzis.

These projects form part of a long-term sustainability roadmap towards achieving carbon-neutral electricity in VWGA’s production operations. In 2025, Plant Kariega relied on green energy sources for 40% of its energy requirements.

“We have made significant strides in recent years towards fully sustainable manufacturing,” says Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at Volkswagen Group Africa. “As a company we remain committed towards practices that are responsible and sustainable, and our work in increasing our green footprint is never done.”

  • Also read our previous reporting on Volkswagen’s solar project:

https://dealerfloor.co.za/electric-vehicles/vwsa-completes-second-phase-of-using-solar-power-at-plant

https://dealerfloor.co.za/electric-vehicles/vw-group-africa-adds-3mw-to-its-grid

More New Energy Vehicles stories

Toyota broadens hydrogen plans for Europe’s truck sector

Toyota broadens hydrogen plans for Europe’s truck sector

Toyota is sharpening its focus on hydrogen as a practical route to cleaner heavy-duty transport, using IAA Transportation 2026 to showcase new fuel cell technology and partnerships with leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.

  • 15 September 2026
World EV Day: CHARGE puts EV claims to the test on the N3

World EV Day: CHARGE puts EV claims to the test on the N3

To mark World EV Day, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has launched the N3 EV Real-World Test. The initiative will turn everyday electric vehicle journeys between Johannesburg and Durban into a growing source of real-world data for South African motorists and fleet operators considering the switch to electric.

  • 9 September 2026