JA has been selected as the exclusive photovoltaic (PV) module supplier for Teraco's 120MW Sediba solar project in Parys, in South Africa's Free State province. The announcement comes from JA, which will supply high-efficiency n-type modules. Teraco, the project's owner, operates carrier-, cloud- and vendor-neutral data centre environments for colocation services. Other large-scale projects are under way in the sector, such as the financing of Malaysia's LSS5+ solar project by Standard Chartered and CCB or the merger of ARRAY Technologies and Shoals.

According to the release, Sediba will generate renewable electricity fed into the national grid. The corresponding allocation will be supplied to Teraco's data centre operations under a power-wheeling arrangement with local municipalities and Eskom.

The project is expected to generate more than 354,000MWh a year once operational. JA says operations are scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.

Demanding operating conditions

JA describes the Sediba site as an environment where long-term module performance is critical. High summer temperatures, intense irradiation, dust, seasonal thunderstorms and large temperature swings place sustained pressure on modules.

Following technical evaluation and testing, JA was chosen as sole supplier based on the performance, durability and reliability of its technology, according to the company. Its n-type modules are designed to maintain output under high temperatures, hail and heavy loads. The release cites long-term degradation, mechanical integrity and product consistency among the selection criteria.

Traceability and climate target

JA says key materials in its modules, including glass and soldering ribbon, can be traced throughout manufacturing. Detailed environmental and supply-chain records complete the system. The company presents this combination as a way to give project owners greater confidence in module quality.

Its climate targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, JA states. The company also says it operates nationally recognised green factories and has put in place measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions from module production.