Benin Solar Report

Discover comprehensive insights into the statistics, market trends, and growth potential surrounding the solar panel manufacturing industry in Benin

  1. Climate.top, (nd), Benin Climate & Temperature, Retrieved on 24 May 2025 from
    https://www.climate.top/benin/index.php
  2. Solargis, (nd), Solar resource maps of Benin, Retrieved on 23 May 2025 from https://solargis.com/resources/free-maps-and-gis-data?locality=benin
  3. CEIC. (2021). SBEE: Benin BJ: Residential Electricity Price: USD per kWh . Retrieved from https://www.ceicdata.com/en/benin/environmental-environmental-policy-taxes-and-transfers-non-oecd-member-annual/bj-residential-electricity-price-usd-per-kwh
  4. Statista. (2023). Share of individuals with a reliable supply of electricity in Benin in 2020. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316145/share-of-individuals-with-a-reliable-supply-of-electricity-in-benin/
  5. Akpahou, R., Mensah, L. D., & Quansah, D. A. (2023). Renewable energy in Benin: Current situation and future prospects. Clean Energy, 7(5), 952–961. https://doi.org/10.1093/ce/zkad039
  6. Okoro, U. (2023). Benin gains solar power mini-grids for rural areas. Retrieved from https://energy-utilities.com/benin-gains-solar-power-mini-grids-for-rural-areas-news121152.html
  7. SNV. (2016). Introducing pay-as-you-go solar products to Benin. Retrieved from https://www.snv.org/update/introducing-pay-you-go-solar-products-benin
  8. European Investment Bank (EIB). (2022). Solar power for rural Africa. Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/en/projects/all/20200836#:~:text=Pay%2Das%2Dyou%2Dgo%20solution%20to%20unlock%20solar%20home%20systems,000%20high%2Dquality%20solar%20home%20systems%20in%20Benin.
  9. International Energy Agency (EIA). Energy systems of Benin. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/countries/benin
  10. Max Haul. (2022). European loan to fund 107,000 home solar panels in Benin. Retrieved from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/06/24/european-loan-to-fund-107000-home-solar-panels-in-benin/
  11. Patrick. (2024). Engie connects solar mini-grid in Benin. Retrieved from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/04/15/engie-connects-solar-mini-grid-in-benin/
  12. World Salaries. (2024). Average solar installer salary in Benin. Retrieved from https://worldsalaries.com/average-solar-photovoltaic-installer-salary-in-benin/
  13. Worldometer. (2024). Population of Benin. Retrieved from https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/benin-population/
  14. Coworker. (n.d.). Office space in Benin. Retrieved from https://www.coworker.com/office-space/benin
  15. Benin Energy Situation – energypedia. (n.d.). https://energypedia.info/wiki/Benin_Energy_Situation
  16. Deboutte, G. (2020, November 27). Eiffage RMT set to begin work on 25 MW solar plant in Benin. Retrieved from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/11/27/eiffage-rmt-set-to-begin-work-on-25-mw-solar-plant-in-benin/
  17. African Union. (2024). Benin. Retrieved from https://au-afrec.org/benin#:~:text=The%20country%20is%20a%20net,and%20385%20ktoe%20petroleum%20products.
  18. The Observatory of Economic Complexity. (n.d.). The Observatory of Economic Complexity. https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/refined-petroleum/reporter/ben
  20. BENIN: An Introduction Law | Chambers and Partners. (n.d.). https://chambers.com/content/item/6153[/efn_note] 19Law No 2020 – 05 relating to the Electricity Code in the Republic of Benin – French – 1 April 2020. (n.d.). OGEL Energy Law Journal. https://www.ogel.org/legal-and-regulatory-detail.asp?key=34804
  21. North Africa Post. (2023). Benin eyes 300 MW in solar energy output by 2030. Retrieved from https://northafricapost.com/71883-benin-eyes-300-mw-in-solar-energy-output-by-2030.html
  22. GetInvest. (n.d.). Small independent power producers. Retrieved from https://www.get-invest.eu/market-information/benin/market-segments/
  23. Emiliano. (2020, January 27). Benin introduces VAT exemption on imports of PV panels. Retrieved from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/01/27/benin-introduces-vat-exemption-on-imports-of-pv-panels/
  24. https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/94faf5b0-f377-4e96-ac3f-bafb3b4f361f/CountryProfileBenin.pdf
  25. Takouleu, J. M. (2022, July 21). Benin: The country’s first solar power plant (25 MWp) goes operational in Illoulofin. Updated July 21, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.afrik21.africa/en/benin-the-countrys-first-solar-power-plant-25-mwp-goes-operational-in-illoulofin/
  26. Power Technology. (2024). Power plant profile: Bohicon Solar PV Park, Benin. Retrieved from https://www.power-technology.com/data-insights/power-plant-profile-bohicon-solar-pv-park-benin/#:~:text=Bohicon%20Solar%20PV%20Park%20is,developed%20in%20a%20single%20phase

Key points

  • All figures have been converted into USD

Yearly sunshine (sun hours per year)

The weather in Benin depends on region and season; however, the average; however, on average, there are 2304 hours of sunshine per year.1

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kWh per kWp installed

The photovoltaic power potential ranges between 1,314 and 1,607 kWh/kWp/yr in the Benin Republic.27

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Average cost per kWh from utility company

In 2021, the cost of residential electricity was noted as $0.560 per kilowatt-hour.3

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Reliability of electrical power supply grid

  • A 2020 survey in Benin revealed that 40% of the population experienced consistently reliable electricity service. Conversely, 5% reported inconsistent or non-existent electricity despite being connected to the grid. A significant majority, 55% of those surveyed, lacked any connection to the national power grid.4

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Detailed Information

  • All figures have been converted into USD

    • Total solar panel production capacity (installed)

    As of 2022, Benin has a solar panel production capacity of 213.1 MW.5

    Total solar panel production capacity (projected)

    By 2030, Benin aims to achieve a solar energy generation capacity of 300 Megawatts.21

    Average costs of various electricity generation sources (coal, natural gas, solar, etc)

    78

    There is limited information publicly available on this; however, the cost of electricity from solar power in Benin varies based on the type of system and other factors:

    • Pay-As-You-Go Solar Products: As of September 2016, customers could access basic pay-as-you-go solar products (for lighting and phone charging) for approximately USD 0.95 per week (based on a 24-month repayment plan).
    • Solar Home Systems: The European Investment Bank has installed 107,000 solar home systems in Benin, offering them at a daily cost of 20 cents per day for users.

    Percentages of various electricity generation sources (coal, natural gas, solar, etc)

    9

    According to the IEA, Benin’s electricity mix by percentage includes Oil (23.6%), Natural gas (73.1%), and Solar PV (3.3%).

    Average daily availability of electricity from the national grid (measured in hours)

    In Benin, the average daily availability of electricity from the grid is not readily available. However, outages and inconsistencies are common due to infrastructural challenges and dependence on imports.5

    Number of residential solar panel installations

    10

    Current Installations

    • French energy giant Engie deployed 107,000 solar home systems (SHS) in Benin with the EIB loan.
    • EIB (European Investment Bank) noted that the funds would give 643,000 people access to electricity

    Total number of solar farms (installed and projected)

    11

    Installed Solar Farms

    The information is sparsely available; however, at least 2 solar minigrids are expected to be already installed.

    Projected Solar Farms

    This information is sparsely available; however, at least 20 solar minigrids are expected to be installed in the coming years.

    Off-grid market demand for solar panels (current and projected)

    The demand for off-grid solar solutions in Benin is growing, driven by the need to increase electricity access, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where grid connectivity is limited.116

    Current Demand and Deployment

    ENGIE Energy Access Projects

    • ENGIE Energy Access has launched the construction of two solar-powered mini-grids and a 68 km low-voltage distribution network in northern and central Benin.
    • The mini-grids will have a total capacity of 1,200.1 kWp and will provide 6,000 connections.
    • The mini-grid project is part of the Millennium Challenge Account – Benin II Program, which aims to enhance off-grid electricity access for rural and peri-urban populations.

    Engie Energy Access’s  mini-grid

    • The demand for off-grid solar solutions in Benin is high, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to the national grid is limited.
    • Engie Energy Access’s recent launch of a mini-grid in Dohouè, powered by 135 kW of solar panels and 130 kWh of Lithium-ion batteries, is a clear indication of the current demand.

    VAT exemption on imports of solar panels

    • The government is actively promoting off-grid solar projects as part of its strategy to improve energy access, as evidenced by the recent VAT exemption on imports of solar panels and related equipment.
    • This measure is aimed at making solar energy more affordable and accessible, thereby stimulating demand for off-grid solar systems.

    Solar Electric Light Fund’s (SELF)

    • Additionally, projects like the Solar Electric Light Fund’s (SELF) solar-powered water pumps and vaccine refrigerators in rural areas underscore the increasing adoption of off-grid solar technology to meet essential needs.
    • With low electricity access—only about 41% of the population has grid connectivity—there is significant potential for off-grid solar solutions to fill the gap, particularly in remote areas.

    Future Projections

    • The future demand for off-grid solar in Benin is expected to rise as more rural communities seek reliable and sustainable energy sources.
    • Engie Energy Access plans to construct an additional 20 mini-grids, which will collectively provide 1.2 MW of installed capacity and support over 30,000 people in rural areas.
    • With supportive government policies, such as the VAT exemption on solar equipment imports, and increasing investments in off-grid projects, the off-grid solar market is poised for significant growth.
    • This will play a crucial role in improving energy access and fostering economic development in underserved regions.

    Agreement between Beninese Agency for Rural Electrification and Energy Management (ABERME) 6

    • ENGIE has signed a concession agreement with the Beninese Agency for Rural Electrification and Energy Management (ABERME) for constructing and operating 20 additional mini-grids.
    • The company has already provided clean energy to over 1.25 million people through its solar home systems, with a recent $10 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support 107,000 new solar home system

    On-grid market demand for solar panels (current and projected)

    Exact figure is not given but;11

    Current Demand

    • Benin’s on-grid solar demand is currently modest but steadily increasing. With 28 MW of installed solar capacity as of last year, the country is beginning to integrate more solar energy into its national grid.
    • Ongoing projects, such as the 25 MW solar plants by Toyota Tsusho, reflect the government’s focus on expanding solar capacity. This demand is driven by the need to reduce reliance on imported electricity, which currently accounts for most of Benin’s energy supply.

    Future Demand

    • Looking ahead, the demand for on-grid solar in Benin is expected to grow significantly as the government aims to achieve significant increase of solar capacity by 2026.
    • This ambitious target indicates a strong push towards diversifying the energy mix and increasing domestic electricity generation.
    • Future projects will likely focus on large-scale solar plants that can feed directly into the grid, reducing energy dependency on neighboring countries and improving energy security.

    Average monthly income of workers in solar industry (labor cost)

    The typical salary for a Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Benin ranges from approximately $1,926.63 to $6,486.75 USD per year, with an average of about $4,096.55 USD per year.12

    Population of the country

    The current population of Benin is 14,501,763.13

    Average overhead costs of solar panel production (with a brief breakdown)

     

    Key Components of Administrative Costs

    Salaries and Wages: 12

    The typical salary for a Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Benin ranges from approximately $1,926.63 to $6,486.75 USD per year, with an average of about $4,096.55 USD per year.

    Rent for Office Space 14

    The cost of renting shared office space in Benin City ranges across cities and locations. Some costs we were able to find include $1.77 USD per day in Parakou and $3.54 – $7.7 USD per day in Cotonou.

    A summary of the energy infrastructure

    Electricity Generation 9

    Benin’s electricity generation is sourced from a variety of means, including fossil fuels, natural resources, and renewable energy (RE). Here’s a summary of the distribution:

    • In 2022, natural gas was the predominant source of electricity, accounting for 73.1% of generation. Oil contributed 23.6% to the total electricity production. Solar PV acocunted for just 3.3%
    • Benin relies on Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana for most of its electricity supply,
    • Benin also has older power plants and energy facilities, some dating back to the 1950s and 1960s. However, these facilities have suffered from a lack of investment, leading to their deterioration over time.

     Transmission & Distribution 5 15

    Benin’s electricity infrastructure comprises 5,620 kilometers of domestic transmission and distribution lines, along with 618 kilometers of transnational lines.

    Energy Access 16

    Benin’s energy landscape is defined by low per capita energy consumption, extensive reliance on biomass, and the overexploitation of natural forest resources. Only about 41% of the population has access to electricity.

    Energy Exports 17 18

    • Benin is an exporter of petroleum, including both crude oil and refined products. In 2023, the country exported $40.3 million worth of refined petroleum, ranking as its fifth most significant export.
    • Key markets for Benin’s refined petroleum include India, Kuwait, Chinese Taipei, Mali, Saudi Arabia, etc.

    Some of the government regulations surrounding solar panel production

    In Benin, the regulatory framework for solar panel production and related activities is defined by several key laws and decrees. Here’s a summary of the current regulations and laws governing the solar panel industry and related sectors in Benin:20

    Electricity Code of 2020

    • Law Nr. 2020-05 (1 April 2020): This law replaces the previous Electricity Code (Law Nr. 2006-16) and marks a significant shift by ending the state utility’s monopoly on energy generation, transmission, distribution, and marketing. It introduces a more open market for private sector participation. Key provisions include:
      • Declaration Regime: For electrical installations for own use below a certain capacity.
      • Authorisation Regime: For public interest generation, off-grid areas, and self-generation above a specified capacity.
      • Public Service Delegation: For large-scale generation, transmission, and distribution activities not covered by other regimes.
    • The law also differentiates between off-grid electrification regimes: a concession regime for systems larger than 500 kVA and an authorization regime for smaller systems.

    Order Nr. 2020-006

    • Specifies the fees for license, concession, and authorization applications, and for submitting system installation declarations. Fees vary by installed capacity.

    Law Nr. 2016-24

    • Governs public-private partnerships (PPP) in Benin. It outlines terms, conditions, and procedures for PPP contracts, including those for energy projects.

    Decree Nr. 2018-415

    • 12 September 2018: Focuses on off-grid electrification, requiring operating licences for off-grid providers. Systems larger than 500 kVA are subject to a concession framework, while smaller systems need only authorisation from the Agence Béninoise d’Électrification Rurale et de Maîtrise d’Énergie (ABERME).

    Decree Nr. 2007-655

    • 31 December 2007: Details the modalities for declaring and authorizing self-produced electricity. Systems over 500 kVA need authorization, while those between 50 and 500 kVA need only declaration. It limits grid feed-in to 50% of the total generation. Its relevance is uncertain under the new Electricity Code.

    Mini-Grids and Solar Home Systems (SHS)

    • The Electricity Code and Decree Nr. 2018-415 govern mini-grids and SHS. For mini-grids, systems larger than 500 kVA require a concession, and smaller systems need authorisation. The SHS market benefits from a high mobile money penetration rate, supporting the PAYGO business model.

    Captive Power

    • Rooftop solar PV projects are regulated under the new Electricity Code, allowing self-production and grid feed-in with limits. The regulatory framework may be updated to include feed-in tariffs.

    Government initiatives in solar panel production (includes investments and subsidies)

    2223 24

    Action Programme 2016-2021

    • Target: The program aimed to achieve a total of 95 MW of grid-connected solar PV capacity by 2021. This target reflects the government’s commitment to increasing solar energy capacity in the country.

    Projet de Valorisation de l’Énergie Solaire (PROVES)

    • Objective: This project aims to install 105 solar/diesel hybrid mini-grids across Benin. As of November 2019, 79 mini-grids had been constructed in rural villages. The project promotes the use of solar energy in off-grid areas.

    Programme Régional de Développement des Énergies Renouvelables et d’Efficacité Énergétique (PRODERE)

    • Collaboration with PROVES: This regional program supports the development of renewable energies and energy efficiency, including solar energy initiatives in Benin.

    Benin Off-Grid Clean Energy Facility

    • Support for Solar Projects: This facility supports off-grid solar projects and has been involved in projects like Sunkofa’s expansion of mini-grids in Benin.

    National Renewable Energy Action Plan (PANER) 2015-2030

    • Goal: Aims to achieve 100% access to improved cooking solutions by 2030, which includes support for clean energy technologies like solar panels in rural and underserved areas.

    Solar Home Systems (SHS) and Pico-Solar Market

    • Market Growth: The government supports the growth of the SHS and pico-solar market, which has seen significant increases in sales, with major players like Fenix International leading the market.

    VAT exemption on the import of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

    • Benin has introduced a VAT exemption on the import of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, along with materials, equipment, and installation accessories for PV and solar thermal systems. This fiscal incentive, included in the 2020 finance law, aims to boost access to electricity through off-grid projects by making solar energy more affordable. However, the exemption does not apply to inverters.
    • These provisions cover solar panels and other essential installation equipment, such as lamps, electric wires, and especially batteries, which together make up approximately 30% of the cost of solar electrification projects

    Notable solar projects in the country (installed and projected)

    2526

    Installed Projects

    Current Solar Projects in Benin:

    Illoulofin Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant (25 MWp):

    • Location: Illoulofin, Pobè, Plateau department.
    • Capacity: 25 MWp.
    • Details: This is the first large-scale solar power plant in Benin, inaugurated on July 19, 2022. The plant, built by the French company RMT Eiffage, is equipped with 47,212 solar modules, 113 inverters, and six transformer stations. The plant’s electricity is transmitted via two 20 kV lines to the Société béninoise d’énergie électrique (SBEE) network.
    • Expansion: A second phase is planned to double the plant’s capacity to 50 MWp over the next three years.

    25 MWp Onigbolo solar project

    • Location: Onigbolo, Benin.
    • Capacity: 25 MWp.
    • Details: Initiated in January 2018, the Onigbolo Solar PV Project was the first major solar power project in Benin. It marked the start of significant solar energy activities in the country, forming part of a broader initiative to develop renewable energy infrastructure. The project laid the groundwork for the expansion of solar energy in Benin. The plant cover 40 hectares of photovoltaic panels within a total area of 100 hectares, making it one of the largest installations in the country.

    Projected Projects

    Toyota Tsusho Solar Plant (25 MW):

    • Location: Pobè region, Benin.
    • Capacity: 25 MW.
    • Details: Toyota Tsusho has finalized a contract with the Beninese Electricity Production Co. to establish a 25 MW solar plant. This project is being developed in collaboration with Germany’s EPC RMT and is expected to be one of the largest solar installations in Benin. The project is set for completion in 2024.

    Bohicon Solar PV Park (15 MW):

    • Location: Zou, Benin.
    • Capacity: 15 MW.
    • Details: This project is currently in the permitting stage, with construction expected to begin in 2024. The plant is planned to enter commercial operation by 2025.

    Some of the notable solar companies (plus brief details on what they do)

    Company Name: Dulosolar Benin
    Location: 01 BP 490, Cotonou, Benin
    Contact Numbers: (229) 90 90 53 55 / (229) 66 51 51 88
    Fax: (229) 59 12 12 60
    Website: www.dulosolar.com

    Services Provided

    Dulosolar Benin specializes in the design, development, and commercialization of turnkey photovoltaic solar power plants, both grid-connected and off-grid. They cater to individuals, industrial clients, local authorities, farmers, and landowners in France, the French overseas departments, and Africa.

    Categories

    • Energy Suppliers
    • Electricity Suppliers
    • Solar Energy
    • Engineering

     

    Company Name: MySol Bénin
    Location: Zone de L’aéroport, Villa Censad, Cotonou, Benin
    Contact Number: +229 69 70 99 99
    Email: marketing-eea.benin@engie.com
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/MySolbenin

    Services Provided:
    MySol Bénin, a subsidiary of the ENGIE group, is a solar energy company that offers a range of solar panels from 25W to 200W. Their products are designed to provide up to 10 hours of battery life, even during power outages, ensuring reliable and continuous energy. They also offer in-store pickup services.

     

    Company Name: ARESS
    Location: Cotonou, Benin
    Service Areas: Comé, Bohicon, Allada, Ouidah, Kandi, Adjarra, Parakou, Natitingou, Savalou, and Cotonou, Benin
    Contact Numbers: +229 65 80 12 05
    Email: contact@aress-group.com
    Website: aress.solar

    Services Provided:

    ARESS is an energy company specializing in sustainable solar energy solutions. They offer a range of services including the design, installation, and maintenance of solar power systems for both residential and commercial clients across various regions in Benin. Their solutions are aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy usage in the country.

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