What are the photovoltaic energy storage devices in West 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.

Scatec's Kenhardt solar-plus-storage site in South Africa (above), which went online at the end of 2023. Image: Scatec. Africa's energy storage market has seen a boom since 2017, having risen from just 31MWh to 1,600MWh in 2024, according to trade body AFSIA Solar's latest report.

The production of solar PV cells, modules, and other components requires advanced manufacturing processes, skilled labor, and well-developed infrastructure. Unfortunately, many African countries lack the necessary industrial base to support solar PV manufacturing.

Silicon, a key input for the production of c-Si solar PV cells, is also found in Africa, albeit in smaller quantities compared to global leaders like China. Nonetheless, Africa's mineral wealth represents a significant opportunity for the continent to leverage its natural resources to become a player in the global solar PV market.

Africa has significant potential to become a leader in solar power generation and solar PV manufacturing. However, the continent faces several challenges, including market concentration, technological limitations, and financial constraints.

Currently, approximately 43% of the African population lacks access to electricity, with the figure exceeding 80% in rural areas. Solar power offers a sustainable solution to this energy deficit, helping to improve access to electricity while also driving economic development.