The solar energy market is surging in South Africa – particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors – as businesses seek cost-effective, sustainable solutions to manage rising electricity costs. For this reason, solar power has become an increasingly attractive investment.

While loadshedding has eased in recent months, energy costs remain high, prompting companies operating in agriculture, engineering, and manufacturing to turn to rooftop solar to manage long-term operational expenses.

However, while the benefits of solar are clear, the road to installation is not always smooth.

"Transporting and installing solar panels presents a unique set of logistical challenges. These panels are not only bulky and fragile but getting them safely onto rooftops using traditional lifting methods can be time-consuming, risky, and expensive," says SkyJacks MD Alistair Bennett.

Large-scale solar panels, often used in commercial and industrial projects, are delicate by nature and susceptible to damage from mishandling. Rooftops can be difficult to access, and using the wrong equipment can lead to costly breakages and long project delays, which are concerns that weigh heavily on contractors with tight budgets and timelines.

Breakages do not just increase hardware costs, but ripple through the entire project life cycle.

“When panels are damaged during lifting or installation, it’s not just about replacing the equipment. There are lead times for new panels, and in some cases, entire teams are idled while waiting. It impacts the bottom line and the contractor’s reputation,” he explains.

Solar Installation Solution

The GEDA Solarlift is a lifting solution designed specifically for the solar industry, says Bennett. “With its modular, compact design and a lifting height of up to 19 m, the Solarlift provides an efficient, safe, and cost-effective way to transport PV panels onto rooftop.”

The GEDA Solarlift was developed with the realities of solar projects in mind. It is lightweight and easy to set up, even on uneven ground or in tight construction sites. The adjustable platform holds solar panels securely during the lift, reducing manual handling and lowering the risk of both damage and injury, he adds.

This has made the system particularly valuable for rooftop installations in industrial parks, warehouses and commercial farms, where rooftop access and project scale can vary significantly.

“For installers working in remote regions, such as those popular for utility-scale solar in the Northern Cape, the Solarlift’s portability and quick setup offer added advantages.”

Flexible Rental Model

SkyJacks, the local supplier of the GEDA Solarlift, has introduced a "pay-as-you-use" rental model that reduces the barrier to entry for contractors and renewable-energy developers.

“Our rental model is designed to be as flexible and supportive as possible, and there is no need for a big upfront investment, which helps ease cash flow constraints . . . all equipment is fully serviced and tested before each use, so contractors know they’re getting equipment that’s safe, reliable and ready to go,” he notes.

This model allows small and mid-sized contractors to compete on larger projects without committing the capital needed to own specialised equipment. It also helps solar providers scale their operations more easily; renting additional lifts as needed without incurring permanent overheads.

Hands-on Support

Bennett says that SkyJacks’ offering extends “beyond equipment”. The company provides end-to-end support, including site assessments, technical advice and on-site setup assistance.

“We work closely with our clients to make sure the GEDA Solarlift is properly integrated into their workflow. Our technical teams are available to assist with setup, troubleshooting and compliance, which takes pressure off the contractors.”

This comprehensive support ensures that even the less experienced contractors can safely and efficiently operate the GEDA Solarlift, helping them meet deadlines and reduce costly mistakes.

As solar uptake accelerates in South Africa, driven not just by the promise of energy security, but also long-term financial savings; solutions like the GEDA Solarlift are helping streamline the installation process. This does not just save time and money; it improves workplace safety, reduces waste through minimised breakages, and boosts the overall reliability of solar project rollouts.

“Innovation isn’t just about panels or batteries, it’s about the tools that help make clean energy accessible and viable at scale. The GEDA Solarlift is a practical solution to a very real problem in the industry, and we believe it’s going to play a big role in how South Africa builds its solar future,” he concludes.