Burkina Faso’s installed solar PV capacity reached 177 megawatts (MW), according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).  ⁵

Burkina Faso has vast solar potential, with a maximum capacity of approximately 95.9 GW. While exact solar data is unavailable, the country aims to add around 500 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2025, paving the way for significant solar growth. ^{5 6}

No data for individual sources is available. However, the average electricity price in Burkina was 198.51 USD/MWh in 2023. ⁷

Distribution of electricity generation in Burkina Faso by source is given below. ⁸

Power outage times increased in 2018, with an average of 233 hours, up from 172 hours in 2017, representing a 35% rise in outage duration. ⁹

The number of residential solar panel installations in Burkina Faso is not precisely documented.

However, by the end of 2021, Burkina Faso had about 62 MW of installed solar capacity, with ongoing efforts to expand this further through various projects funded by international organizations like the World Bank. Burkina Faso solar energy initiatives are a key part of the country’s strategy to increase renewable energy access and reduce reliance on traditional power sources.

Five current Solar Farms and one upcoming solar farm are in pipeline. ¹⁰

Current

• Kodeni Solar Power Station
• Nagreongo Solar Power Station
• Pâ Solar Power Station
• Zagtouli Solar Power Station
• Zina Solar Power Station

Projected

• Donsin Solar Power Station (2026)

Burkina Faso has significant off-grid potential, with 47% of its population suitable for clean hybrid mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems. The Solar Energy and Access Project (SEAP) aims to: ¹¹

• Electrify 300 rural localities, connecting 120,000 households, MSMEs, schools, and health centers
• Procure 325 MWp of solar energy with 335 MWh of battery storage, starting with 120 MWp and 120 MWh
• Mobilize over $400 million in private investment for solar production and innovative battery storage
• Reduce electricity supply costs and expand rural access without increasing recurring subsidies

SEAP will enhance access to solar energy, promote private financing for electricity, and drive economic growth in rural areas.”

Current Demand ¹²

Burkina Faso’s on-grid market demand for solar panels is driven by utility-scale projects integrating renewable energy into the national grid. As of 2021, the country has:

• 62 MW of grid-connected solar capacity
• Operational solar power plants like Zagtouli Solar Power Station contributing to the grid
• Government promotion of solar energy to diversify the energy mix and reduce fossil fuel dependence

Projected Demand

The demand for solar panels in Burkina Faso’s on-grid market is expected to grow significantly due to:

• Ongoing and planned solar power projects, including expansions and new solar farms
• Government policies, international investments, and partnerships driving further investments
• Increasing awareness of solar energy’s environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness

This growth is poised to stimulate additional investments in grid-connected solar projects, driving the country’s transition to renewable energy.

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer working in Burkina Faso will typically earn around $4,242.52 per year, and this can range from the lowest average salary of about $2,162.61 to the highest average salary of $6,528.68. ¹³

The current population of Burkina Faso is 23,786,739. ¹⁴

Not available

Here’s a summary of the energy infrastructure in Bangladesh:

Electricity Generation

• Burkina Faso generates electricity using a variety of energy sources, including biomass, fossil fuels, hydroelectricity, and solar.
• In 2022, oil and diesel were the largest source of electricity generation, accounting for 78.74%.
• The country’s national electricity company, SONABEL, also uses thermal power, which is generated by burning heavy fuel oil.
• Burkina Faso’s energy sources include biomass, fossil fuels, hydroelectricity, and solar. The country’s power sector also includes: 300 MW installed capacity, 253 MW diesel and HFO, 32 MW hydro, and 33 MW solar.

Transmission & Distribution ¹⁵

Burkina Faso’s National Electricity Company (SONABEL) oversees the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The country’s electricity supply strategy focuses on:

• Interconnections: Connecting with neighboring countries to enhance regional energy cooperation
• Network Expansion: Upgrading and extending the existing grid infrastructure
• Local Generation: Promoting the development of local power generation capacity to increase energy self-sufficiency

These initiatives aim to improve the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of Burkina Faso’s electricity supply.

Energy Access ¹⁶

• Only 21% of the population had access to electricity in 2020, making it one of the least electrified countries globally.
• The government aims to increase electricity access to:
• 95% in urban areas by 2030
• 50% in rural areas by 2030
• Additionally, access to non-solid fuels (such as liquefied petroleum gas, LPG) is limited, with only about 8% of the population having access.

¹⁷

1. Energy Code and Fiscal Incentives

• Preparation required for the energy code.
• Adopting fiscal incentives for PV material.

2. Regulatory Framework and Licensing

• Decree 2017-1011 sets capacity thresholds for various authorizations on electricity production and distribution.
• Decree 2017-1012 establishes detailed procedures for granting production licenses and authorizations.
• Competitive bidding is required for projects above 5 MW.

3. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Agency (ANEREE)

• Established to control, support, and supervise renewable energy and energy efficiency markets.
• Supports and promotes flagship renewable and energy efficiency projects.
• Federates partners in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors.
• Initiates commercial and public services related to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• Supports research and education in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

4. VAT Exemption and Quality Standards

• Inter ministerial Order 2020-033 exempts certain solar equipment from VAT, provided they conform to quality standards set by the energy ministry.
• Conformity agreements are delivered by ANEREE.

These regulations collectively support the production, installation, and promotion of solar panels, ensuring quality control, financial incentives, and structured development within the renewable energy sector in Burkina Faso.

^{18 19 20}

1. Energy Strategy 2019-2023

• Aims to mobilize external and domestic financial resources to strengthen energy supply and improve energy efficiency.
• Focuses on national financing (state, banking, and financial system), external aid (bilateral and multilateral grants and concessional loans), and foreign private capital through public-private partnerships.

2. PACAO-BF (2018-2022)

• Established to transform the economy through the solar energy sector.
• Created the Cluster Solaire to promote synergies among sector actors and provide financial support.
• Aims to set up financing mechanisms favoring equity, external subsidies, and technical and financial partner financing.
• Establishes a fund as a support guarantee for solar companies.
• Encourages local commercial banks to provide loans with preferential rates (5% interest, 15-year maturity).

3. Burkina Faso Compact II (2021-2026)

• Implements projects to enhance the financing ecosystem of renewable energy, including solar power.
• PREDEL project facilitates access to guarantees and insurance products for liquidity and creditworthiness.
• PADOEL project aids independent power producer transactions with advisory services.
• PRAEL project establishes funds to provide access to lower-income consumers for purchasing electrical equipment.

4. Back Up Solaire Project (2019)

• Facilitates the installation of solar home systems in off-grid areas with three-year zero-interest subsidies.
• First phase installed 850 systems; the second phase aims for 3,000-3,500 systems.

5. Public-Private Partnerships and Financial Guarantees

• Most utility-scale projects use public-private partnerships, with concession agreements and PPAs with SONABEL.
• The state guarantees payment if SONABEL defaults, with additional potential for public counter-guarantees (Partial Risk Guarantee by World Bank/AfDB, Public Payment Guarantee by AFD).

6. Insurance Policies

• Project sponsors often need to obtain insurance from international insurers due to local insurer rating insufficiencies.

7. Manufacture and Assembly of Solar Equipment

• Setting up two factories for the manufacture and assembly of solar equipment, one located in the technology park.
• Building and equipping a showroom for the sale of solar kits within the Technopole.

These initiatives highlight the Burkinabe government’s commitment to supporting the solar energy sector through various financial, structural, and regulatory measures.

8. Project-Specific Support

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) approved a US $950,000 grant for the development of the WINDIGA 20 MW Solar PV power plant in Burkina Faso. The SEFA project preparation grant will support outstanding advisory activities required for financial close, including support for the structuring of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a period of 25 years with SONABEL, the national public utility.

Major Solar Projects in Burkina Faso: ^2122232425

Zagtouli Solar Power Station

• 33 MW solar power plant, operational since 2017
• Largest solar power plant in West Africa at the time of commissioning
• Generates 56 GWh of electricity annually, sold to SONABEL

Zina Power Project

• 27 MW solar power project in Mouhoun province
• Financed by IFC, Canadian loans, and Emerging African Infrastructure Fund
• 25-year power purchase agreement with SONABEL

Kodéni Solar Power Plant

• Initial capacity of 38 MWp, expected to double to 76 MWp
• Generates approximately 73 GWh annually, powering 42,000 households

Zina solar field

• 6 MW project in Mouhoun province, developed by Amea Power

Off-grid Essakane Solar PV Plant

• 15 MW hybrid solar power plant at the Essakane gold mine
• Combines solar with existing oil-powered plant, reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption

Nord-Sahel project

• Aimed to connect 27,000 new customers to the grid in northern regions
• Financed by French Development Agency (AFD)

Bolgatanga-Ouagadougou project

• Reinforced interconnection with Ghana, electrifying 25 villages and adding 3,500 customers
• Financed by AFD, EIB, GRIDCO, SONABEL, and World Bank

Solar projects (Projected) ²⁶²⁷

Upcoming Solar Projects in Burkina Faso 

Zano Solar PV Park

• Location: Central-East, Burkina Faso
• Capacity: 24 MW
• Status: Financed
• Construction Start: 2024 (expected)
• Commercial Operation: 2025 (expected)

Pa Solar PV Park

• Location: Boucle du Mouhoun, Burkina Faso
• Capacity: 30 MW
• Status: Under Construction
• Construction Start: 2020
• Commercial Operation: 2024 (expected)

Note: The information is based on data from Global Data, which tracks and profiles over 170,000 power plants worldwide.

Salgatech

Website: https://www.ietp.com/en/company/salgatech

• Salgatech is a renewable energy company based in Burkina Faso, specializing in the production and installation of multifunctional cold rooms and ice machines.
• Their products are designed to provide sustainable solutions for preserving perishable goods, particularly benefiting the agricultural and food sectors by reducing post-harvest losses.
• To support Salgatech’s growth and objectives, Sinergi Burkina, part of the I&P Acceleration in Sahel program, is providing assistance in the following areas:
• Relaunching and enhancing the production capacity of solar cold rooms, establishing a “cold landlord” service for renting solar cold room spaces, implementing a professional internal accounting system, and strengthening the sales force.

Sahela Solar

Website:https://www.ruralelec.org/member/sahelia-solar/

• Sahelia Solar, a seasoned project developer and integrator of solar energy solutions in Burkina Faso, has been driving sustainable energy growth for over a decade.
• With a mission to expand access to clean electricity, the company unlocks the benefits of solar-based solutions for urban and rural populations.
• Leveraging extensive experience in both grid-connected and off-grid systems, Sahelia Solar’s expert team excels in engineering, financing, and operations management. By delivering solar energy solutions, the company reduces customers’ electricity costs and minimizes environmental impacts in communities.
• Sahelia Solar’s commitment to sustainable energy earned the prestigious SAG-SEED Award from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2016 for its off-grid sector work in Burkina Faso. Operating under the ISO9001 quality management framework ensures high standards in all projects and operations.

Solafarique

Website: www.solafrique.ch

Email: solafrique@yahoo.fr

• Installation of solar PV, solar PV pumps and irrigation systems

Oolu

Website:https://oolusolar.com/

• Oolu is one of the fastest growing off-grid solar companies in West Africa.
• Mission is to provide energy solutions and innovative services which improve the lives of our customers, our communities and our planet.
• Vision is to build a future in which West and Central African citizens have access to clean and affordable energy to power their aspirations.
• Model, developed with local communities, allows us to offer high-quality solar products on an affordable financing plan. They offer after-sales commitment, with replacement parts under warranty and customer service representatives who speak the local languages of our customers.
• In Wolof, a national language of Senegal, Oolu means ‘trust’. By building trust with the communities in which we work, we can grow together.