Wido Schnabel

Job Title: BD Director Key Accounts, SSA
Company: Canadian Solar South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Country: South Africa

Wido Schnabel was born in a country with one of the highest solar radiations in the world, in Namibia. Since 2008 he is in the Renewable Energy Industry with focus on Solar. He has built a Solar modules Factory in South Africa and is now Business Development Director for Sub-Sahara Africa for Canadian Solar. In the past he chaired of the board of SAPVIA (South African Photovoltaic Industry Association). For the last 10 years he is Business Development Director for Canadian Solar. Doing business all over in Africa with his passion to Solar is the unique value he represents Africa in the world and has created the term 'Africa will jump the Grid!' His motto 'There is enough Sun for all of us in Africa!' shows his passionate advocacy towards renewable energy.

March 12, 2025Panel Discussion: Lighting the Way Forward for Solar in Africa

March 13, 2025Store Abundant Solar Energy to Let the Sun Shine at Night

Sessions

Session

Powering the Future: The Role of Grid-Scale Battery Energy Storage in Renewable Integration

Thursday, March 13, 2025, 09:00 am - 10:30 am

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are key to achieving a 100% renewable energy grid in Africa. This panel will explore how BESS can mitigate the challenges of intermittency in wind and solar power generation, ensure grid stability, and support renewable integration. Topics include innovative solutions for addressing mismatches between energy supply and demand, frameworks for remunerating energy storage services, and the development of legal and regulatory policies to encourage adoption. Join leading experts and developers as they discuss the transformative potential of BESS in driving Africa's transition to a sustainable energy future.

Session

A Bright Future Ahead: Launch of the Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 11:15 am - 12:00 pm

The Global Solar Council (GSC) is proud to launch the first edition of the Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV at Intersolar Africa, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Institute and with the support of GET.invest. This new report provides a comprehensive analysis of the continent's solar energy landscape to light the way forward on the path to realising Africa's solar massive potential. In the report, we look at current and forecasted solar PV installed capacity, highlighting key opportunities and challenges across Africa's diverse markets for the expansion of solar PV - from rooftop solar to utility-scale projects. With in-depth insights on 10 key African countries, the report provides a deep dive into national solar deployment trends, policy environments, and investment landscapes. It also explores emerging sectors such as solar-plus-green hydrogen and e-mobility, illustrating how these technologies can accelerate Africa's clean energy transition. This high-level launch event will bring together government representatives, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss the report's findings and chart a course for unlocking Africa's immense solar potential. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions on policy recommendations, financing strategies, and the role of solar in achieving a just and inclusive energy transition. As Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its clean energy journey, this event will serve as a catalyst for action, fostering collaboration between stakeholders to scale up solar adoption, drive innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities. Join us to be part of shaping Africa's solar-powered future!