How much solar capacity has Africa added in 2024?

AFSIA’s Africa Solar Outlook 2025 report, released today (15 January) points out that Africa has added 2.5GWp of new solar capacity in 2024, reaching a total of 19.2GWp across the continent. Now in its fifth year, the report says the number is definitely an underestimation of the real capacity added because it:

Where does Africa's solar power come from?

“From the almost 2.5GWp installed in Africa in 2024, 78% come from only two countries: South Africa and Egypt, representing respectively 50% and 29% of the continent’s performance.” However, the share of South Africa has significantly reduced compared to 2023 when the country saw 80% of all African solar that year put online.

Does South Africa have a low solar installation rate?

However, despite topping the table, South Africa experienced a sharp decline in installation rates in 2024, with just under 35% of solar capacity installed in 2023 added in 2024.

Does Africa still have a solar sector?

But despite the continent continuing to show progress in the sector, the gap with the rest of the world continues to widen. The two countries account for nearly 80% of the nearly 2.5GWp installed in Africa in 2024, with commercial and industrial (C&I) solar projects especially significant for South Africa.

Will solar PV & storage improve Africa's competitiveness?

As the battery costs continues to fall by an expected 10 % or more per year, the competitiveness of solar PV plus storage will improve radically, especially in Africa where so many businesses are relying on expensive diesel or a mostly fossil fuel-powered and often unreliable electricity grid.

Why is a large-scale solar project important in Africa?

Ensuring the success of large-scale solar projects is imperative as Africa transitions to a greener energy future and has to meet the increasing demand for power. Trina Solar, with a strong dedication to sustainability and innovation, steps in at this point.