Declining technology costs are making Africa an increasingly attractive market for solar photovoltaic projects with the potential to host 70GW by 2030, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).
In a new report – ‘Solar PV in Africa: Costs and Markets’ – Irena estimates that installed costs for power generated by utility-scale solar projects in Africa have decreased as much as 61% since 2012.
It said installed costs for such projects are as low as $1.30 per watt in Africa, compared with the global average of $1.80 per watt.
The report added that more than 800MW of new solar was added in Africa in 2014 – doubling the continents cumulative capacity – and another 750MW was added in 2015.
Irena director-general Adnan Amin said: “In recent years, solar PV costs have dropped dramatically and will continue to do so with further declines of up to 59% possible in the next 10 years.”
“Africa’s solar potential is enormous, with solar irradiation levels up to 117% higher than in Germany – the country with the highest installed solar power capacity.”
Image: Lesedi solar plant in South Africa (SolarReserve)
