Falling prices of Chinese-made solar equipment are driving a significant energy transition across Africa, moving beyond emergency backup to primary power for businesses and households. This shift, largely unplanned and unprompted by government initiatives, is making solar plus batteries a more economical choice than unreliable grids or diesel generators. In South Africa, private solar capacity has rapidly increased, with businesses like wineries and mines installing systems that promise near-free electricity after initial investment, fundamentally altering energy consumption patterns.