In a major stride towards energy self-sufficiency, ACTOM, South Africa’s largest manufacturer and supplier of electro-mechanical equipment, is set to unveil a fully localised inverter-integrated transformer solution at Enlit Africa 2025.
Co-developed with global inverter giant Sungrow, this homegrown innovation is designed to streamline utility-scale solar PV installations across the continent. The system combines a transformer, inverter, Ring Main Unit (RMU), and LV combiner box into a single, factory-tested skid solution – essentially, a plug-and-play energy powerhouse built for African conditions.
“This isn’t just a product; it’s a turning point,” says Lee Mbenge, Divisional CEO of ACTOM Distribution Transformers. “We’re bringing world-class tech into the country and building it with local skills for local energy challenges.”
ACTOM addressing South Africa’s energy reality
With rolling blackouts still disrupting homes, businesses and essential services, the need for fast, scalable solar energy solutions has never been more urgent. ACTOM’s innovation directly responds to this, offering engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors a simplified, pre-integrated solution that cuts installation time, reduces on-site risks, and speeds up project delivery.
And it’s more than just technical convenience; it’s about localisation with impact.
“Everything except the inverter is made right here, in-house,” adds Mbenge. “That gives us full control over quality and means support is always on the ground. We’re not just importing clean energy, we’re building it.”
Powering people, not just projects
While renewable energy is often framed in terms of panels and outputs, ACTOM’s approach brings the spotlight back to people. From job creation to hands-on skills development, the company is using this project as a launchpad for growing South Africa’s technical expertise.
“The aim is long-term energy resilience, and that starts with people,” says Mbenge. “We’re investing in local talent, building technical capacity, and proving that Africa can lead in clean energy innovation.”
Ready for the next energy chapter
Though first built with solar farms in mind, the inverter-integrated transformer has wider applications. It’s ideal for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and off-grid setups—two solutions increasingly being explored to support the national grid and reduce dependency on diesel during peak hours.
In short, this isn’t just a smart product. It’s a scalable, locally assembled solution for South Africa’s energy future—one that tackles both our power and employment crises at the same time.
“This is how we power progress—by fusing global innovation with local ingenuity,” Mbenge concludes.
