Where are solar panels installed in Africa?

Most of the grid-connected residential solar PV systems in Africa are installed either in North African countries or in South Africa. Tunisia and South Africa in particular have established markets, while Morocco has successfully used solar PV to electrify villages. These markets have competitive costs compared to OECD countries.

How much solar PV is installed in Africa?

IRENA data and statistics show that Africa’s total cumulative installed capacity of solar PV jumped from around 500 MW in 2013 to around 1 330 MW in 2014 and 2 100 MW at the end of 2015 (Figure 7). Total installed solar PV capacity therefore more than quadrupled in two years.

Are utility-scale solar PV projects a good idea in Africa?

Many of the latest proposed utility-scale solar PV projects are targeting competitive installed cost levels that are comparable to today’s lowest-cost projects.4 This is a very positive signal, given the nascent market for solar PV in Africa and the challenging business environment for infrastructure projects in many African countries.

Are competitive cost structures for utility-scale solar PV achievable in Africa?

This suggests that with the right regulatory framework and access to finance, competitive cost structures for utility-scale solar PV are achievable throughout Africa. The key uncertainties are whether these projects actually will reach financial close and if these ex-ante cost estimates can be achieved. 20 See Enel Green Power (2016).

Is solar PV a viable option in Africa?

However, it is exciting to see that despite the very early stages of utility-scale solar PV deployment in Africa, and given the transportation and engineering challenges facing infrastructure projects on the continent, it already is possible for projects to have competitive total installed costs and cost structures compared to the global average.

Can solar PV irrigation systems be used in North Africa?

Solar PV irrigation systems have already been used quite extensively in North Africa, especially in Egypt, and can be implemented in many other regions of the continent. The solar PV solution can easily be scaled to address the area to be irrigated (Schumacher Centre, 2010).