Why should African Governments Invest in solar PV?

African governments should prioritize the deployment of solar PV technologies to meet their domestic energy needs. This will not only improve energy security but also create local demand for solar PV products, helping to stimulate the growth of a domestic solar PV manufacturing industry.

Is solar PV a focal energy resource for Africa?

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.

Can solar PV solve Africa's energy deficit?

Address Energy Poverty and Infrastructure Gaps: Solar PV presents a significant opportunity to address Africa’s energy deficit, particularly in rural areas where electrification rates are low. African governments should prioritize the deployment of solar PV technologies to meet their domestic energy needs.

Does Africa have a competitive advantage in solar energy generation?

Despite these challenges, Africa holds a natural competitive advantage in solar energy generation due to its favorable geographic conditions. Solar power generation could provide a sustainable solution to meet the continent’s growing energy deficit, promote industrial development, and drive economic growth.

What materials are used in solar PV?

Copper is used extensively in solar PV systems for wiring and electrical connections, making it a vital component of solar electricity generation. Tin, another essential material used in solar PV technology for soldering components, is also abundant in Africa.

Where is copper used in solar PV?

For instance, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia are home to some of the world’s largest copper reserves, a critical material for solar PV systems. Copper is used extensively in solar PV systems for wiring and electrical connections, making it a vital component of solar electricity generation.