January 16, 2025

Installed Solar Capacity Reaches 385.7MWp in Nigeria

Nigeria’s installed solar capacity increased by 63.5 MWp in 2024, with the total reaching 385.7 MWp, as stated by the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA). The removal of fuel subsidies has driven this growth and prompted Nigerians to adopt solar energy as a cost-effective alternative to diesel and grid power.

Fuel Subsidy Removal Spurs Solar Growth


Nigeria continues to solidify its position as a key player in Africa’s solar energy landscape. According to the latest report from the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), the country added 63.5 Megawatt peak (MWp) of installed solar capacity in 2024. This brought its total installed capacity to 385.7 MWp by the end of the year.

The removal of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy has been a major catalyst for the growth of solar energy in the country. This policy shift forced many Nigerians to seek alternatives to expensive diesel and national grid power. AFSIA highlighted this trend, noting the rising interest in solar-plus-storage solutions as a cost-effective option.

“Nigeria has started feeling the positive impact of the fuel subsidy removal and an increased interest for solar+storage [sic] as a cheaper alternative to diesel,” the report stated.

Nigeria Among Africa’s Top Performers in Solar Energy


In the 2024 rankings, Nigeria secured the fourth position among African nations leading in solar energy adoption. South Africa maintained its position as the continent’s leader due to its membership in the exclusive “Gigawatt Club.” Egypt ranked second after commissioning two major solar projects in Kom Ombo. Zambia, which is dealing with severe load-shedding challenges, claimed the third position. 

Angola completed the top five by finalising large-scale solar projects in partnership with MCA and Sun Africa. These projects marked a significant milestone for Angola’s solar energy ambitions. Utility-scale solar projects continue to drive much of the continent’s growth. Angola’s inclusion in the top five performers in 2024 is a testament to the impact of large-scale initiatives. Two projects — each with a 27 MWp capacity — were completed under Angola’s partnership with MCA and Sun Africa.

The Central African Republic leads Africa in the proportion of electricity generated from solar. Over 40% of its grid electricity comes from solar. Other countries with notable contributions include Mauritania (20.7%), Namibia (13.4%), Somalia (11.6%), and The Gambia (10.6%). Despite its growing installed solar capacity, Nigeria’s solar contribution to its energy mix stood at just 1.6% in 2024.

Nigeria’s low solar penetration relative to its total energy consumption signals significant growth potential. The country’s high cost of grid electricity and dependence on diesel generators present a compelling case for further investments in solar technology. With supportive policies and increased financing for solar projects, Nigeria could close the gap with leading countries like South Africa and Egypt.

Installed Solar Capacity: Global and African Trends


Globally, solar installations reached an estimated 503 Gigawatt peak (GWp) in 2024, a remarkable 44% increase compared to the previous year. Africa’s growth was more modest, with 2.5 GWp of new installations. This marked the third consecutive year that the continent exceeded 2 GWp in annual installations. Africa’s total installed solar capacity now stands at 19.2 GWp, excluding residential systems.

Despite these achievements, Africa’s solar installations account for less than 1% of the global total. AFSIA’s report acknowledged this disparity but emphasised the steady progress in the sector. The report revealed that solar installations in Africa remain concentrated in a few countries. In 2024, South Africa and Egypt accounted for 79% of all new solar capacity on the continent. South Africa led with 50%, while Egypt contributed 29%.

AFSIA CEO, Mr John van Zuylen, noted this concentration but expressed optimism about the future. “With multiple projects already announced and at various stages of development in several countries that are new to solar, we may witness a more distributed spread of solar in Africa in the years to come,” he said.

Nigeria’s increased installed solar capacity is a testament to the nation’s resilience and adaptability. The AFSIA report underscores the opportunities and challenges in the solar energy sector across Africa. With strategic investments and policy support, Nigeria and other African countries could harness the full potential of solar energy


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