The University of Pretoria’s major solar PV project at its Persequor Park campus in Pretoria is nearing completion, marking a significant expansion of renewable energy generation for the South African higher education sector.
Developed by AttSolar, the 12.7 MWp fixed tilt, ground mounted solar farm is the largest commercial and industrial solar PV plant developed for a university in South Africa.
The project covers 21.4 hectares and includes 20,332 solar modules and 36 Huawei string inverters. A new substation has also been constructed, together with a 3.9 km connection to the main grid tie point.
Once operational, the solar farm is expected to produce approximately 22,225 MWh of clean electricity each year. The generation is forecast to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 21 million kg annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of about 3,700 South African households.
The project has also progressed at an unusually rapid pace. Environmental authorisation was secured in October 2025, followed by the signing of a 25 year private power purchase agreement between the University of Pretoria and the project in December 2025.
Construction officially began in May 2026 following a sod turning ceremony. Final module installation is now taking place, with full commissioning and commercial operations expected in December 2026.
AttSolar is delivering the project through a consortium comprising Atterbury Property, Fledge Capital and MPower Energy, the renewable energy subsidiary of the Moolman Group.
Once commissioned, electricity generated by the solar farm will be supplied through the Lynnwood Substation, supporting the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield and Hillcrest campuses and reducing its reliance on conventional grid electricity.
The project forms part of the growing shift among large South African institutions towards privately developed renewable energy as organisations seek greater energy security, lower electricity costs and reduced carbon emissions.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
August 10, 2026
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