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.

Can Africa double its solar power capacity by 2030?

However, Africa’s potential far surpasses today’s deployment and rates of new additions. In IRENA’s REmap analysis of how to double the share of renewable energy in the world’s energy system by 2030, Africa could see total installed capacity of solar PV increase to 70 GW or more.

Is a competitive cost structure for solar PV achievable in Africa?

Project developers are now targeting sub-USD 2/W cost ranges in East and West 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.

What is the largest solar PV market in Africa?

This is an important issue, because although the utility- scale grid-connected solar PV market is the largest market in Africa in terms of MW deployed, the of-grid market is the largest in terms of number of systems deployed (IRENA, 2015b). The of- grid market comprises SHS and mini-grid systems.

How much does a solar PV mini-grid cost in Africa?

Stand-alone solar PV mini-grids or solar PV-hybrid mini-grids have installed costs in Africa ranging from USD 1.9 to USD 5.9/W for systems greater than 200 kW. Solar PV mini-grids that came online in 2012 or earlier have higher costs.

Is solar PV the future of Africa?

This represents a huge economic opportunity for Africa to embrace its domestic resources and to power its future with solar photovoltaics (PV) and other renewables. The emerging potential of solar PV is perhaps the most exciting development on the continent from an energy perspective.