East African Family Photovoltaic Energy Storage Processing

Solar PV, which, as reported by our colleagues at PV Tech in their write-up of the AFSIA report, reached 19.2GW in 2024, increasing by 2.5GW on 2023 levels, is becoming the focal energy generation resource for Africa.

Storage helps ease solar integration, while larger balancing areas help shift power quickly and efficiently from where it is generated to where it is consumed. In the absence of an integrated grid and/or energy storage systems Africa will not be able to take full advantage of solar PV as the lowest cost generation source in history.

Africa has significant potential to become a leader in solar power generation and solar PV manufacturing. However, the continent faces several challenges, including market concentration, technological limitations, and financial constraints.

Silicon, a key input for the production of c-Si solar PV cells, is also found in Africa, albeit in smaller quantities compared to global leaders like China. Nonetheless, Africa's mineral wealth represents a significant opportunity for the continent to leverage its natural resources to become a player in the global solar PV market.

The production of solar PV cells, modules, and other components requires advanced manufacturing processes, skilled labor, and well-developed infrastructure. Unfortunately, many African countries lack the necessary industrial base to support solar PV manufacturing.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that solar power could play a critical role in meeting Africa's growing energy needs, particularly in rural areas where electrification rates are low. Currently, approximately 43% of the African population lacks access to electricity, with the figure exceeding 80% in rural areas.