Africa solar rooftop power generation equipment

Is Africa ready for solar power?

Image: Syrah Resources The potential of solar power in Africa is beginning to be realised, with 2023 seeing record levels of deployment. JP Casey explores some of the latest trends shaping the continent’s solar sector, where the C&I segment in particular is surging ahead.

How much solar power does Africa generate?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in 2021, high levels of sunlight in Africa meant that it accounted for 40% of the world’s solar power generation potential but generated just 1.48% of its electricity from solar sources.

Is solar power a good option for Africa?

At the last United Nations climate summit, the world agreed on the goal of tripling the capacity for renewable power generation by 2050. While the African continent is responsible for hardly any carbon emissions relative to its size, solar has become one relatively cost-effective way to provide electricity.

What are the latest trends shaping Africa's solar sector?

JP Casey explores some of the latest trends shaping the continent’s solar sector, where the C&I segment in particular is surging ahead. Much has been made of the potential for the solar sector across Africa, not least because of the region’s considerable solar reserves and pressing demand for electrification.

How many Africans lack electricity?

About 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, it said, out of a population of more than 1.3 billion. This photo released by Easy Solar shows a man and his family watching television with a solar power in his house in Monrovia, Liberia, Saturday Aug. 26, 2023. (Muctarr Bah Mohamed/Easy Solar via AP)

Does South Africa have more solar power than Medupi & Kusile?

Private companies and households have installed more solar capacity – 5,400 MW – in South Africa than Eskom’s two largest power stations, Medupi and Kusile, which have a capacity of 4,800 MW each. Eskom’s latest Weekly System Status Report revealed the rooftop solar capacity installed in the country at the end of January.