The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa or SESSA, is dedicated to the use of renewable energy and energy efficiencyincluding all solar-based energies such as photovoltaics, thermal heating and cooling, wind, biomass and hydro, to name a few. Other utilization possibilities of this principle source of energy are in passive building design and energy efficiency.

The inter-disciplinary nature of SESSA attracts the membership of industry, scientists, researchers, developers and the general public – the only qualification is a keen interest in renewable energy and its utilization to ensure a sustainable energy future. SESSA was founded in 1974 and is one of 50 National Sections of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES). ISES is regarded as the premier body in solar energy with members in over 100 countries. SESSA is the duly appointed African office of ISES.

Mission & Objectives

The mission of SESSA is the creation and continued growth of an authoritative renewable energy forum, in Southern Africa. SESSA also has the following objectives:

• to promote and increase the use of renewable energy with informal education, demonstration and information dissemination to end-users and other decision makers of all levels;
• to establish the society as the main regional information centre in close co-operation with similar initiatives;
• to facilitate in the creation and maintenance of appropriate standards for products, systems or methods and training.

For this purpose SESSA strives to have and maintain a close relationship with other associated and non-associated organisations with similar missions, such as the Photovoltaic Suppliers and Manufacturers Association (PVSM).