Africa is experiencing a sharp rise in solar energy adoption. Chinese solar panel imports surged by 60% between mid-2024 and mid-2025, representing over 15 gigawatts of capacity shipped in a single year. This is a strong signal that solar is moving from the margins to the mainstream.
Record-breaking
20 countries hit new import records, and 25 brought in more than 100 megawatts each. South Africa leads, with one-quarter of total imports, but significant shipments also went to Nigeria and Algeria. In some countries, such as Sierra Leone, recent imports could meet more than half the electricity demand.
Hybrid strategy
A combination of large projects and small rooftop systems offers households and businesses an escape from unreliable national grids and expensive fuel in a part of the world where nearly 600 million people lack dependable power.
To put this in context, South Africa, with a population of 58 million, has about 4,172 MW of solar capacity, compared to the UK’s 19,000 MW and 68 million inhabitants. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the South East of England has the highest number of installations, with the South West ranking second. Companies such as https://redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-nailsea/ are fulfilling the demand for solar panel installation Nailsea, Clevedon, and many other small towns, in addition to larger population centres such as Bristol. The UK’s mix of urban and rural is mirrored across the African continent.
Despite the momentum, Africa still receives only a fraction of global investment in renewables. Turning this surge into a sustained transformation will require stronger policies, financing, and local manufacturing to secure a future of inclusive energy.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.