Premier-Green and SunShare Solar: Powering Benin with 750 Benin rooftop solar Systems
In a significant move to bolster West Africa’s renewable energy infrastructure, Premier-Green Aluminium, a joint venture of Premier Energies, has announced a landmark partnership with SunShare Solar. The collaboration will see the installation of 750 rooftop solar systems across Benin as part of a major community development initiative valued at USD 19.95 million. This project represents one of the region’s more impressive Benin solar projects, aiming to provide stable and clean energy to critical community facilities.
While the initial announcement focused on residential homes, the scope of this ambitious project extends to powering the backbone of local communities. The installations will primarily target essential public services, including district police stations, health centers, schools, and specialized border surveillance units. By equipping these vital facilities with independent power sources, the initiative directly enhances public safety, healthcare, and education, making communities more resilient.
This project is a powerful demonstration of support for the Federal Government’s National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP). Its core objectives are to increase access to renewable energy and significantly reduce the reliance on a national grid that has often struggled with reliability. This initiative is timely, as it builds on a period of remarkable growth where Benin solar imports tripled in 2023, signaling a strong national push towards energy independence.
Beyond the immediate installations, this partnership is part of a broader strategic investment by Premier-Green Aluminium totaling INR 600 million (approximately USD 6.7 million). This investment is geared towards expanding the company’s solar module frame production capabilities. A key element of this expansion is the development of a new manufacturing facility, which will have an initial capacity of 18,000 tonnes per year and is scheduled to become operational by March 2027. Understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing highlights the importance of this move, as it localizes a critical part of the supply chain.
The 750 rooftop systems in Benin will utilize high-quality aluminium frames produced by Premier-Green Aluminium itself. This vertical integration not only ensures a steady supply of essential solar panel raw materials for the project but also strengthens the domestic renewable energy sector. By investing in the local solar panel manufacturing process, the company is helping to build a sustainable industry from the ground up.
Ultimately, this initiative is a cornerstone of the wider Benin solar energy investment strategy, complementing other large-scale efforts like the development of the new 25 MW Forsun PV plant. By combining community-focused rooftop installations with industrial capacity building, Premier-Green Aluminium and SunShare Solar are not just deploying technology; they are fostering a sustainable energy future for Benin.
For those looking to delve deeper into the complexities of establishing such facilities, from the necessary solar panel manufacturing machines to a complete solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown, our comprehensive resources can guide you. To get started, explore our free e-course on the subject.
