The International Renewable Energy Agency conducted a solar survey of Africa, recording an annual average solar insolation of 2,119 kWh/m², with most countries in North Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa exceeding that amount. Data courtesy: International Energy Agency, 2024Infrastructure overhaul required to receive new solar energy productionDespite its potential solar wealth, Africa’s solar generation capacity met only 1% of its energy needs using only 1% of its total solar energy generating capacity in 2020. About half of Africa’s solar energy production comes from photovoltaic systems, such as rooftop solar panels or solar farms with panels covering several acres. The other half of Africa’s solar energy is produced by concentrated solar power, whereby arrays of mirrors reflect sunlight onto an elevated receiver. The complex is the centrepiece of an aggressive solar power regimen that is projected to produce 4,560MW of solar power by 2030.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 09, 2024 09:12 UTC