Does Africa still have solar power?

While the spread of solar energy across Africa is encouraging, a significant concentration of capacity persists. In 2024, 78 per cent of all new installations were concentrated in just two countries — South Africa and Egypt.

What percentage of solar power is installed in Africa?

Only 1.5% of installed renewable power capacity is in Africa. According to a report by the United Nations released in July, Africa has 60% of the world's best solar resources with the continent's deserts and warm climate creating massive potential for solar projects. Despite this, Africa received just 2% of global clean energy investments in 2024.

Where can solar power be used in West Africa?

Located in Kenhardt, this facility combines 540 MW of solar power with 225 MW of battery storage, offering a total potential of 1,140 MWh. The exceptionally high sunshine levels in West Africa provide a unique opportunity for solar energy exploitation.

Why have solar panels soared in South Africa?

While the surge in solar panels had previously been buoyed by imports by South Africa, which went through years of power blackouts due to a lengthy electricity crisis, imports of solar panels from outside of South Africa tripled in the last 12 months.

Can development finance support solar projects in Africa?

Some startups are skeptical about the effectiveness of development finance institutions in supporting solar projects in Africa, especially in poor countries. The intermittency of solar production, due to weather variations such as cloudy periods, poses a challenge for integrating solar energy into African electrical grids.

Can Africa unlock its solar power potential?

Structural challenges such as limited financing, regulatory barriers and infrastructure constraints continue to impede the continent’s ability to fully unlock its solar potential. Nevertheless, Africa’s growing appetite for clean energy signals a promising future for solar power across the region.