Botswana Solar Report

As of 2023, Botswana had a total installed solar energy capacity of only 6 MW.⁵

According to a 2017 report by ENEA, Botswana could have up to 233MWp for off-grid solar power and potentially up to 1000MWp of on-grid solar plants by 2030. These estimates are very optimistic, though, and the real results could vary wildly. ⁶

⁷ Also, the renewable energy capacity of Botswana is expected to rise at CAGR of around 72% (2025-2030).

In Botswana, the current average costs of electricity generation sources are not readily available.

According to the IEA, in 2023, around 98.9% comes from coal and 0.8% comes from oil. ³⁵

The current average daily availability of electricity from the national grid in Botswana is not readily available; however, available information indicates that Botswana experiences challenges with consistent electricity supply, including load shedding and unexpected power cuts.

By 2024, the exact number of residential solar panel installations in Botswana isn’t readily available from a single source.⁹

Botswana has a few installed solar farms and multiple proposed solar farms.^{10 11 12} 

Current Demand

Rural Electrification: A substantial portion of Botswana’s population lives in rural areas with limited access to the national grid. ²

Growth Projections: The off-grid solar market in Botswana is expected to grow significantly over the next decade.

While specific figures on the current demand for on-grid solar panels in Botswana are not readily available, the demand is steadily increasing due to the factors mentioned above. The focus on large-scale solar projects and government support suggests that this demand will continue to grow as Botswana aims to meet its renewable energy targets.⁹

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Skilled Technicians and Installers: USD 375 to USD 750.

Engineers and Project Managers: USD 750 to USD 1,500.

Unskilled Laborers: USD 190 to USD 300

The population of Botswana is approximately 2.52 million people.¹⁴

Energy Cost: In Botswana, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of the installed solar farms is unclear; however, for the planned solar projects, it is expected to range between $0.08 and $0.10/kWh. ¹⁵

A report by ENEA on the costs of a 100 MW solar plant in Botswana offers a clear look at the typical overhead expenses for large-scale PV projects. While it doesn’t label “overhead” directly, it highlights key non-hardware costs: design and supervision (€52/kWp), transport (€100/kWp), and installation (€85.8/kWp), which together make up about 23% of the total installation cost (€1,018/kWp). Ongoing maintenance and insurance run at €20/kWp annually, with major upkeep at €106/kWp every 10 years and end-of-life dismantling at €7/kWp. These costs are a vital part of planning and budgeting for long-term solar investment in Botswana.

Labour Cost:¹³

Skilled Technicians and Installers: USD 375 to USD 750.

Engineers and Project Managers: USD 750 to USD 1,500.

Unskilled Laborers: USD 190 to USD 300

Rent: The cost for factory space in Botswana vary depending on the location, size, and specific features of the property which varies from $870 to $3,870 per month.¹⁷

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Traditional Energy Sources¹⁹

Coal: Botswana has abundant coal reserves, and coal-fired power plants are a major source of electricity. The Morupule B power station, with a capacity of 600 MW, is the largest, although it has faced technical challenges. The older Morupule A plant adds another 132 MW.

Diesel: There are two diesel power plants, Orapa (90 MW) and Matshelagabedi (70 MW), used primarily for emergency power.

Renewable Energy Sources ¹⁹

Solar: Botswana is investing heavily in solar energy. Botswana has a host of huge solar projects in planning and construction stage, while there a few utility-scale solar projects already operational as of 2025!  ^{20 21} [efn_noteKgi-Admin, and Kgi-Admin. “Power Plant Profile: Shumba Tati Solar PV Park, Botswana.” Power Technology, 7 Jan. 2022, www.power-technology.com/data-insights/power-plant-profile-shumba-tati-solar-pv-park-botswana/#:~:text=Development%20status,into%20commercial%20operation%20by%202026.[/efn_note]

Energy Imports²²

Regional Imports: Botswana imports electricity from neighboring countries including South Africa (Eskom), Namibia (Nampower), and Zambia (Zesco), to supplement domestic production.²³

Grid Expansion: The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is investing in national and regional grid infrastructure to improve electricity distribution and reliability.

Rural Electrification: Ongoing efforts to expand electricity access in rural areas, including new connections and grid expansions.

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Rooftop Solar Programme: The government has established guidelines for the Rooftop Solar Programme, which allows end users to generate their own electricity and sell any excess to the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC). This programme includes rules on grid interconnection, generation capacity limits, and compliance standards.

Permitting and Licensing: Solar panel installations must go through a permitting and licensing process. This ensures that installations meet the required technical standards and safety regulation.

Technical Standards: All solar PV systems must comply with the relevant connection specifications of BPC, the Botswana Bureau of Standards, and internationally recognized PV installation standards.

Renewable energy: Botswana has considerable unexploited renewable energy potential, especially as solar, wind and bioenergy and aims to use these renewables to achieve economic energy security and independence. Botswana announced at the end of 2020 that renewable energy would account for at least 15% of the country’s energy mix by 2030, with 50% renewable energy contribution to the energy mix by March 2036.

Import Duties: To encourage the uptake of PV systems, Botswana enforces import duties on solar lights, lanterns, and batteries.

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Mega Solar Project: In collaboration with Namibia, the African Development Bank, and other international partners, Botswana is working on a Mega Solar project aimed at generating 2 to 5 gigawatts of solar power. This project is expected to significantly boost the country’s renewable energy capacity.

Rooftop Solar Programme: This initiative encourages households, commercial, and industrial sectors to install solar panels. The programme includes net metering, allowing users to sell excess electricity back to the grid.

Off-Grid Solar Solutions: The government is rolling out off-grid solar solutions, such as solar home systems and solar water heaters, particularly targeting rural areas.

Mini-Grid Projects: Botswana is developing mini-grid solar PV systems in various villages. These projects range from 0.4 to 4 MW and aim to improve electricity access in remote areas.

Subsidies and Incentives: The government provides subsidies and incentives to encourage the adoption of solar energy. This includes reducing import duties on solar equipment and offering financial support for solar projects.

Mmadinare Solar Complex: This is the largest solar project in Botswana, with a total capacity of 120 MW. The first phase of 60 MW is under construction, and the project is expected to power approximately 20,000 households annually.²⁸

Jwaneng Solar Project: This 100 MW solar PV project is part of Botswana’s efforts to increase its renewable energy capacity. It is expected to significantly contribute to the country’s electricity supply.²⁹

Mini-Grid Projects: Botswana is developing several mini-grid solar PV systems in various villages. These projects range from 0.4 to 4 MW and aim to improve electricity access in remote areas.

Small-Scale Grid-Tied Solar Plants: The government has awarded contracts for 10 small-scale grid-tied solar plants with a combined capacity of 32 MW. These projects are being developed by 100% citizen-owned companies³⁰

Future Projects: Botswana plans to construct four new solar and thermal power plants within the next six years, adding approximately 610 MW to the country’s energy mix.

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SolarBW:[25]

• Overview: SolarBW is a leading solar power energy company in Botswana and South Africa. They offer full turn-key solar power solutions, including the design, installation, and distribution of high-quality solar systems.
• Capacity: They have completed projects such as the installation of a 102 kWp grid-tied solar array at Chobe Game Lodge.

The Solar Zone:

• Overview: Based in Maun, The Solar Zone focuses on supplying and installing solar equipment, primarily in Ngamiland but also across the country.
• Capacity: They aim to bring affordable energy to rural areas, with various small to medium-scale installations.

Sutsol Hitech Solutions:³²

• Overview: Located in Gaborone, Sutsol Hitech Solutions provides renewable energy solutions and project management services.
• Capacity: They offer civil, electrical, energy, environmental, and water consulting services, specializing in innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

Grit-tech (Pty) Ltd.:³³

• Overview: Grit-tech is involved in the renewable energy sector, focusing on solar energy solutions.
• Capacity: They provide a range of services, including the design, supply, and installation of solar power systems.

SegenSolar (Pty) Ltd.:³⁴

• Overview: SegenSolar is a distributor of solar PV systems and components, it is a south african company that has a branch in botswana.
• Capacity: They supply a wide range of solar products, including panels, inverters, and mounting systems, catering to both residential and commercial markets.