South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre

What South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre does

The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) is a specialized vocational training institution established in 2016 and officially launched in November 2018 at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Bellville Campus in Cape Town, South Africa. It is structured as a national facility under a public university rather than as a standalone commercial entity, funded initially by a R105 million grant from the National Skills Fund through the Department of Higher Education and Training, with R24 million earmarked for three years of operational fees. SARETEC is described as the only centre of its kind in Africa, mandated to train technicians for the wind, solar PV, energy efficiency, and biomass/biogas sub-sectors.

The centre's curriculum is organized into three pillars. Wind energy training spans the QCTO-approved Wind Turbine Service Technician Qualification (SAQA ID 99559, NQF Level 5, 123 credits) alongside Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certified Basic Safety Training, Basic Technical Training, and refresher courses, plus rotor blade repair technician training. Solar PV training includes QCTO occupational certificates for Mounter and Installer levels, the SARETEC Solar PV Installer Course, the SAPVIA-endorsed PV GreenCard assessment, and online solar training. A third pillar covers business and foundational skills, notably Disciplined Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy and the Renewable Energy Workshop Assistant (REWA). Certification stack includes ISO 9001 quality management, GWO training facility authorization with WINDA registry access, BZEE Academy Network recognition, and SAPVIA PV GreenCard endorsement.

Commercially, SARETEC operates a hybrid revenue model combining course fees (R2,600 to R105,000 per learner) and venue hire for conferences and meetings, supplemented by sponsored cohorts financed through municipal partnerships (Kouga, Theewaterskloof, Emthanjeni, Saldanha Bay) and wind farm operators (Longyuan CHN Energy, Aurora Wind Power, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm). Distribution combines direct online enrollment via saretec.org.za with channel partnerships that pre-fund candidate selection from youth in communities near wind farms. Outcomes to date include 51-80+ Wind Turbine Technicians deployed on South African wind farms and 200+ Solar PV trainees since inception.

Name

South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre

Legal name

South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre

Website

https://saretec.org.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SARETEC is a Cape Town-based renewable energy vocational training centre operating under CPUT, delivering QCTO-approved and GWO-certified wind turbine and solar PV technician qualifications to South African youth, wind farm operators, and municipalities across Africa.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Renewable Energy Technical Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Renewable Energy Electrical (Solar PV, Wind, Storage) (EDAOABAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Solar Workforce, Training & Safety Services (Installer Training, Certification, EHS) (EUAMABAO)

Keywords

• Renewable energy training
• Wind turbine technician
• Solar PV installation
• GWO certified courses
• Vocational skills development

Headquarters

HQ city

Cape Town

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Course Fees: Revenue from charging tuition fees for various training programs including Wind Turbine Service Technician (R105,000), GWO courses (R9,775-R15,000), Solar PV courses (R2,600-R15,000), and short courses (R8,000-R14,200)
2. Venue Hire: Conference and meeting venue rental services including Lecture Theatre (capacity 100), Conference Room (capacity 60), Break Away Room (capacity 40), and Class Rooms (capacity 20)

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SARETEC is a renewable energy training and education centre delivering QCTO-approved occupational certificates (Wind Turbine Service Technician at SAQA NQF Level 5, Solar PV Mounter and Installer), Global Wind Organisation certified safety and technical modules, SAPVIA-endorsed PV GreenCard assessments, and short courses in renewable energy entrepreneurship and workplace skills. Training combines classroom theory, hands-on practice with Nordex turbine models and SMA inverter equipment at its Bellville campus, and workplace experience on operational South African wind farms. The centre also rents its eco-powered conference facilities to corporate and government clients.

Product overview

SARETEC is a renewable energy training and education centre operated by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) at its Bellville Campus. Founded in 2016, it serves as Africa's premier and only training centre of its kind. The centre's portfolio is organized around three core training pillars: Wind Energy (delivering the QCTO-approved Wind Turbine Service Technician Qualification at NQF Level 5, GWO Basic Safety Training, GWO Basic Technical Training, GWO Refresher training, and Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Repair courses), Solar PV (offering Solar PV Mounter and Installer Occupational Certificates, SARETEC Solar PV Installer Course, PV GreenCard Assessment, and Solar Online Training), and Business Skills (Disciplined Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy). Supporting offerings include the Renewable Energy Workshop Assistant (REWA) and Workplace Essential Skills programmes. The centre also provides conferencing and venue hire services in its eco-friendly, solar and wind-powered facility. All qualifications are SAQA-accredited, and the centre holds ISO 9001 certification and GWO training facility certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wind Turbine Service Technician Qualification QCTO-Approved Occupational Certificate (SAQA ID 99559, NQF Level 5, 123 Credits) qualifying learners to install, maintain, and repair wind turbine systems safely. Combines 7 months of theoretical and practical training with 2 months of workplace experience on an operational wind farm. Entry requires NQF Level 4 trade qualification in Electrical, Mechanical, Fitting and Turning, Millwright or Mechatronics. Currently offered at R105,000 for the 2026 intake.
• GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) Global Wind Organisation certified 5-day safety training covering First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness and Working at Heights. Delegates are registered on the GWO WINDA database upon completion. Priced at R13,000. Required for personnel working on wind farms globally.
• GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT) Global Wind Organisation certified 5-day technical training (38 lessons) covering Mechanical, Hydraulic, Electrical and Installation modules. Develops common industry best-practice standards for wind turbine maintenance and reduces operational risks. Priced at R15,000.
• GWO Basic Safety Training (Refresher) 3-day GWO refresher course reinforcing and expanding knowledge from the BST programme across First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness and Working at Heights. Must be completed every two years to maintain GWO compliance. Priced at R9,775.
• SARETEC Solar PV Installer Course Practical-focused course covering mounting of solar modules on rooftops, wiring of combiner boxes, inverters and distribution boxes. Emphasises South African Building Regulations (SANS 10400) and SANS 10142-1. Requires Solar PV Mounter NQF Level 2 prerequisite, NQF Level 4 with Mathematics, or artisan qualification in Electrical/Electronic Engineering. Priced at R15,000 (currently on hold).
• Solar PV Mounter Occupational Certificate QCTO occupational certificate (Occupational Certificate 1 of the Solar PV Qualification) qualifying graduates to operate as a Solar PV Stand-Alone Systems Mounter. Part of a suite of five occupational certificates being developed for the solar PV sector.
• Solar PV Installer Occupational Certificate QCTO occupational certificate (Occupational Certificate 2 of the Solar PV Qualification) confirming the graduate has the skills of a Solar PV Stand-Alone Installer. Together with the Solar PV Mounter certificate, these are the first two occupational certificates offered in South Africa for the solar PV sector.
• PV GreenCard Assessment SAPVIA-endorsed 2-day theoretical and practical assessment evaluating competency of solar PV installers against national qualification standards. Serves as entry point to the SAPVIA PV GreenCard quality programme. SARETEC operates as a SAPVIA-endorsed PV GreenCard assessment centre. Priced at R6,700 (currently on hold).
• Solar Online Training 2-day interactive online training course covering basics of Solar PV Systems, hosted by SARETEC trainers and international solar PV experts. Topics include electrical hazards and safety, system planning, solar modules, inverters, balance of system, mounting, and operations and maintenance. Priced at R2,600 (currently on hold).
• Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Repair Technician Training 2-week intensive course covering Rotor Blade Awareness and Basic (Module 1) and Rotor Blade Technician (Module 2), including ActSafe Ascender end-user training. Addresses blade inspection, surface repairs, damage classification, composite repair materials and adhesive technologies. No prior formal training required.
• Disciplined Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy (Face-to-Face) Face-to-face entrepreneurship training programme designed to equip learners with skills to create small businesses in the renewable energy sector. Part of SARETEC's broader mandate to stimulate entrepreneurs for the green economy. Priced at R14,200.
• Disciplined Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy (Online) Online variant of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy programme, delivering the same entrepreneurial curriculum for the green economy at a lower price point. Priced at R8,000.
• Renewable Energy Workshop Assistant (REWA) 24-credit qualification (NQF Level 4) spanning 30 days, providing foundational workshop skills for the renewable energy sector. Trains assistants to support technicians in solar and wind energy installation and maintenance environments. Priced at R12,000.
• Workplace Essential Skills 20-credit short course (NQF Level 4) lasting 20 days, covering essential workplace skills for renewable energy sector employment. Focuses on professional conduct, communication, and industry-relevant competencies. Priced at R10,000.
• Conference and Venue Hire Fully serviced eco-friendly conference venue powered by integrated solar and wind energy systems. Offers a 100-capacity lecture theatre, 60-capacity conference room, 40-capacity breakaway rooms and 20-capacity classrooms, all equipped with audio-visual technology and catering support for corporate events, training, workshops and seminars.

Quantifiable outcome

• 51 Wind Turbine Service Technicians employed on SA wind farms
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Aurora Wind Power (Pty) LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 October 2025Wind farm operator sponsoring Wind Turbine Service Technician training for youth from Saldanha Bay Municipality.
• Longyuan CHN EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 October 2025Wind energy company calling for youth training applications from Northern Cape municipalities for Wind Turbine Service Technician Programme.
• Kouga Local MunicipalityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 February 2025Municipal partnership for Wind Turbine Service Technician training targeting youth from Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm area.
• Theewaterskloof Local MunicipalityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 February 2025Municipal partnership for Wind Turbine Service Technician training targeting youth from Botriver, Caledon, Grabouw, and surrounding areas.
• GreenCapecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2019Partnership for the FNF GreenPitch Challenge 2019 to promote green economy innovation and entrepreneurship. GreenCape drives adoption of economically viable green solutions in the Western Cape and collaborates on training standards and industry outreach.
• Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2019Partnership for the FNF GreenPitch Challenge 2019, offering R30,000 worth of in-kind business support to winners. FNF supports environmentally sustainable innovation for green economic growth.
• Invest Cape TowncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 November 2019Partnership with City of Cape Town's Enterprise and Investment Department to promote the GreenPitch Challenge and support SMEs in the green economy.
• SMA Solar TechnologycoreTechnology or Integration · 28 January 2019Hands-on inverter training for solar PV technicians. SMA provides equipment supplier training for technically-minded individuals.
• Maxx-Solar AcademycoreTechnology or Integration · 28 January 2019Solar academy partnership focusing on design aspects of solar PV installations, providing training on PV*SOL software and comprehensive solar courses.
• South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2019Collaboration on PV GreenCard quality programme. Working with GreenCape and municipalities to drive training and quality standards in local solar PV market. SARETEC is a SAPVIA endorsed PV GreenCard assessment centre.
• BZEE Academy NetworkcoreTechnology or Integration · 21 January 2019Recognized BZEE Academy network wind training partner. SARETEC offers courses from this industry-recognized German Academy.
• German Development Agency (GIZ)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 November 2018Instrumental in developing SARETEC's training material. German development agency providing services in international development cooperation. Collaboration through SAICA and on solar PV training standards.
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 November 2018Host institution for SARETEC. SARETEC operates as a national facility under CPUT's Bellville Campus.
• NordexminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 November 2018European wind turbine manufacturer that supported SARETEC by providing life-size wind turbine models used in training simulations.
• Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2016Awarded grant to pilot the first Wind Turbine Service Technician programme. Supported development of WTST curriculum via QCTO process. Collaborating on Solar PV qualification development.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Solar Energy International (SEI): US-based non-profit offering solar PV training, online courses and professional certifications (PV101 through PV501). Closely comparable to SARETEC's solar training portfolio including PV installer/mounter training, online delivery, and industry-aligned certification pathways for working professionals.
• North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP): US solar PV certification body whose PV Installation Professional credential is the most widely recognised solar installer certification in North America. Directly comparable to SARETEC's SAPVIA-endorsed PV GreenCard assessment, with both serving as quality-assurance credentialing infrastructure for the solar PV workforce.
• WKA Wind GmbH: German GWO-certified wind training provider offering BST, BTT and rotor blade repair courses similar to SARETEC's portfolio. Direct competitor in the international wind training services market and partner within the broader BZEE/GWO ecosystem.
• Centro Nacional de Energías Renovables (CENER): Spanish national renewable energy research and training centre offering wind, solar and grid integration courses with strong industry partnerships. Highly comparable to SARETEC as a state-backed national centre of excellence for renewable energy technician training with both research and vocational mandates.
• Centro de Investigación en Energía Solar (CIESOL): Spanish solar energy research and training institute offering specialised PV training and certification programmes. Comparable to SARETEC's solar PV training pillar in scope, university-affiliated research-and-training hybrid model, and focus on workforce development for the solar PV sector.
• BZEE Academy Network: German-based global network of certified wind energy training centres whose curriculum SARETEC is licensed to deliver. BZEE and SARETEC are explicitly partnered, both train wind turbine service technicians to industry-recognised standards, and compete for the same international employer-sponsored wind training market across multiple continents.

Regional players

• Strathmore University Energy Research Centre: Kenyan university-affiliated energy research and training centre offering renewable energy short courses and capacity-building programmes in East Africa. Comparable as a peer institution in the African renewable-energy training ecosystem and a potential regional competitor for cross-border training partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• Global Wind Organisation (GWO): Industry-led standards body that defines the BST and BTT curricula SARETEC delivers. While not a training provider itself, GWO sets the certification framework within which SARETEC operates and certifies competing training facilities worldwide, making it the de facto industry incumbent whose standards shape competitive dynamics.
• TÜV SÜD Akademie: Global certification, testing and training organisation offering solar PV installer and renewable energy training programmes across multiple continents. Comparable to SARETEC as a broad-portfolio training and certification incumbent with deeper geographic reach and brand recognition.

Emerging players

• MAGE SOLAR Academy: Solar PV training provider linked to MAGE SOLAR equipment, offering installer and design courses similar to SARETEC's partnership-based solar offerings with SMA and Maxx-Solar. Comparable as a niche solar training specialist with partial overlap in target learner segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/saretec
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saretecsa
• Instagraminstagram.com/saretecsa
• Xx.com/saretec

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre