5 African countries that are perfect for solar PV

With Kenya’s large population of 45 million and its booming industry, it is one of Africa’s economic powerhouses. Kenya is known particularly for its industries in small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), but it has several other industries, including: agricultural products, horticulture, oil refining, aluminum, steel, lead, cement, commercial ship repair and tourism.

Part of what makes solar coupled with storage so appealing for commercial and industrial businesses in Kenya is the fact that they are frequently exposed to power outages – often for an extended periods of time.

Kenya’s government has also created a New Energy Policy, which highlights the need for more rural electrification and private or community-owned renewable energy providers.

Irradiance in Kenya

Kenya gets great solar irradiance levels, making most of the country perfect for solar PV. In Nairobi, the solar yield can be as high as 1520 kWh/kWp. This is more than 50% higher than Germany, one of the countries with the highest installed solar capacities in the world, which only has an average solar yield of 950 kWh/kWp. It serves as a powerful reminder of the huge potential for solar in Africa.

2. Namibia

Desert in Namibia

Known for its large, open deserts, Namibia is perhaps one of the most quintessentially solar-friendly countries. From an irradiance perspective, Namibia generates 2047 kWh/kWp of solar in their capital, Windhoek,and its lack of cloud cover make the solar power generation very reliable. Add to this its pristine natural environment, and using the quiet, emission-free power of solar PV makes it a no-brainer for the southern African country.

More than just a desert, though, Namibia’s major industries include meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products, pasta, beverages, and mining (diamonds, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper). In fact, mining is the largest contributor to the economy and provides 25% of the country’s income.

Because the mining industry has emphasised the incorporation of sustainability in its core operations, solar PV is a great choice for mining companies in Namibia. The remoteness of many of the mines means that many of them rely on diesel generators to function. Mines using this method of electrification lend themselves perfectly to solar PV and energy storage  microgrids, which are cheaper and much cleaner than diesel (just have a look at our blog post on why Robben Island will save through its PV and battery storage microgrid).

On top of this, the government launched a REFIT programme, signing 14 small solar renewable energy projects of 5 MW each, showing its commitment to make full use of its exceptional solar resources and making Namibia arguably the perfect country for solar PV.

3. Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria

With the largest population in Africa, Nigeria has huge potential for growing its economy. However, the country has struggled with frequent power outages, often over lengthy periods of time. In addition to this, more than half of the population does not have access to electricity, meaning the the generation capacity of Nigeria’s electricity system is underutilized, despite the system failing to meet demand.

Nigeria is home to several booming industries, including crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, rubber products, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics and steel. All of these industries, however, are affected by lack of reliable power sources. This could be why the Nigerian government signed 1 GW of Power Purchase Agreements from renewable sources in 2016 and is planning to grant a further generation licenses.

Because of the grid-reliability issues in Nigeria and the expense of diesel for fuelling operations, going off-grid entirely with solar PV and storage makes the most sense for many Nigerian businesses. Irradiance in the capital city, Lagos, averages 1452 kWh/kWp, adding to this business case.

Irradiance in Nigeria

4. Uganda

Kampala, Uganda

With Uganda’s rich natural resources and technological innovation, it is one of Africa’s most underrated countries. It’s naturally-driven economy relies on industries such as sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement and steel production. Much of the country remains without electricity connection, with almost 31 million households not connected to the grid and just under half of people living in cities having electrical connection. The rural location of much of the country’s population and its natural-heavy industries mean that off-grid solar PV, combined with energy storage, is a great option, particularly in the agro-processing of things like sugar, tobacco and textile production.

On top of this, the country’s solar resource is excellent, with an average irradiance of 1330 kWh/kWp in the capital of Kampala. Combined with the country’s target of 1.5 million new grid connections by 2020, solar PV is a great option to fuel production and economies, particularly in the agro-processing sector.

Irradiance in Uganda

5. Ghana

Accra, Ghana

Ghana has historically been known for its gold production, and subsequently for its production of chocolate – it is still the world’s second largest producer of cocoa. However, the country has  several additional booming industries including mining, lumber, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building and petroleum.

Ghana already has 75% electrification levels – however, recent hikes in electricity tariffs have provided some doubt as to the ability of Ghanaian citizens to keep their connection to the grid – and the damage these might do to its industries.

The average irradiance in Accra is 1410 kWh/kWp, meaning that there is great solar resource, ready for deployment across several sectors. The capital provides a perfect option for embedded generation of electricity, such as rooftop solar PV, either to supplement their grid usage and bring down electricity costs, or to go off-grid entirely.

The government also sees solar energy as an important solution for Ghana’s energy needs. Recently elected President Akufo-Addo has launched a very supportive energy strategy which sees a large role for solar, including both utility-scale solar PV projects, rooftop solar as well as micro-grid systems.

Irradiance in Ghana

Conclusion: the Light continent

Although under represented, many African countries are perfect for the harvesting of solar resources. As a cleaner – and often cheaper – form of energy, solar PV deployment in Africa is a great opportunity for African business to thrive.

SOLA believes that the future of Africa is powered by the sun, and is actively pursuing and executing projects in a growing number of African countries. If you require the development of a solar PV project on the African continent, please speak to us.