Durban-based solar company Artsolar has denied allegations that the majority of its panels are imported from China, calling recent media reports defamatory and damaging to its reputation.
The response comes in the wake of an investigation by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which had funded Artsolar with R90 million to enhance its manufacturing plant in New Germany. The investigation was triggered by claims that up to 95% of Artsolar’s modules were imported, undermining the company’s image as a local manufacturer.
In a public statement shared by energy expert Chris Yelland, Artsolar said it had become the target of “malicious, defamatory, and distorted narratives” motivated by personal vendettas. The company is currently involved in a legal dispute against whistleblowers and journalists, having secured an interim interdict on 26 March 2025 from the Durban High Court, barring them from making public statements about the company.
Among those included in the gagging order are journalist Bongani Hans, former Artsolar customer Brett Latimer, and ex-employees Kandace Singh and Shalendra Hansraj. Hansraj, who worked at Artsolar from July 2019 to January 2024, submitted an affidavit supporting the claim that most of the solar modules were sourced from China.
The IDC, a government entity which aims to boost industrial capacity, argued that the interdict could obstruct its ongoing investigation. Acting Judge Paul Wallis ruled that the IDC should not have been included in the gag order and amended the interdict, allowing the probe to continue unhindered.
In response, Artsolar reiterated that it supplies government-funded projects that require local content under national legislation and that its warranties and quality standards apply even when panels are sourced externally. The company also updated a key line on its website describing itself as a local manufacturer—removing the reference after scrutiny.
Chairman Beninchand Seevnaryan said Artsolar did not misrepresent the origin of its panels, noting that no contractual undertaking or obligation was made regarding local production volumes.
The final court hearing to determine whether the interdict will be upheld or dismissed is scheduled for 29 July 2025.