JA Solar begins local DeepBlue module production in South Africa

JA Solar, a China-based manufacturer of PV modules, has begun local production of DeepBlue 4.0 Pro n-type modules in South Africa to meet Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) content rules. JA Solar partnered with ARTsolar, a South African module manufacturer, which upgraded its facility to a 340 MW production line through equipment adaptation and workforce training. According to JA Solar, this marks the first domestic manufacturing of n-type modules in South Africa. The initial batch of modules was allocated to the 216 MW Hydra project, developed by TotalEnergies and constructed by Powerchina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited. The initiative has created 150 permanent jobs and includes workforce development programs in partnership with local universities. JA Solar stated that the production supports South Africa’s long-term solar goals by reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the national photovoltaic manufacturing supply chain.