Cameroon Solar Report

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

  1. Wikipedia (n.d.). List of cities by sunshine duration. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_sunshine_duration
  2. International Renewable Energy Agency (2024, July 31). Energy profile – Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Statistics/Statistical_Profiles/Africa/Cameroon_Africa_RE_SP.pdf
  3. Global Petrol Prices (n.d.). Cameroon electricity prices. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/Cameroon/electricity_prices/
  4. Business in Cameroon (2024, May 20). Cameroon cities face power outages as supply-demand imbalance exceeds 80 MW. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.businessincameroon.com/energy/2005-13852-cameroon-cities-face-power-outages-as-supply-demand-imbalance-exceeds-80-mw
  5. Business in Cameroon (2024, January 23). Power outages hit Cameroon’s cities as Eneo implements rotational rationing. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.businessincameroon.com/public-management/2301-13606-power-outages-hit-cameroons-cities-as-eneo-implements-rotational-rationing
  6. The Nkafu Policy Institute (2020, January 30). Key Problems And Proposed Solutions To Cameroon’s Energy Sector. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://nkafu.org/key-problems-and-proposed-solutions-to-cameroons-energy-sector/
  7. International Renewable Energy Agency (2024). Renewable energy statistics 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2024/Jul/IRENA_Renewable_Energy_Statistics_2024.pdf
  8. Business in Cameroon (2023, September 25). Cameroon plans to boost solar capacity to 250MW by 2030. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.businessincameroon.com/energy/2509-13438-cameroon-plans-to-boost-solar-capacity-to-250mw-by-2030
  9. World Bank Blogs (2019, June 5). Hydropower in Cameroon: made possible through local banks’ participation & novel infrastructure financing. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/ppps/hydropower-cameroon-made-possible-through-local-banks-participation-novel-infrastructure
  10. Scientific Reports (2024, June 12). A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systems. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-64427-4
  11. Pan African University (2017). A comparative assessment of hybrid renewable energy systems for sustainable rural electrification in Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://repository.pauwes-cop.net/handle/1/117
  12. Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability (2021, February 17). Status of renewable energy in Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.rees-journal.org/articles/rees/full_html/2021/01/rees200017/rees200017.html
  13. Solar worx (2021, December 21). Solar home & micro grid Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.solarworx.io/dena-res-cameroon/
  14. Afrik 21 (2023, April 18). CAMEROON: 13,000 Rural Households to be Solar Powered. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.afrik21.africa/en/cameroon-13000-rural-households-to-be-solar-powered/
  15. Xinhuanet (2022, June 5). Feature: Cameroonian woman lights up rural communities with solar energy. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://english.news.cn/20220605/2ad7d9663d894fa6b956f472903df680/c.html
  16. USAID (2019, October). Off-Grid Solar Market Assessment Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00W6BT.pdf
  17. Africa Energy Portal (2023, September 25). CAMEROON: inauguration of the 36 MWp Maroua and Guider solar power plants. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://africa-energy-portal.org/news/cameroon-inauguration-36-mwp-maroua-and-guider-solar-power-plants
  18. Open inframap (n.d.). All 7 solar power plants in Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://openinframap.org/stats/area/Cameroon/plants
  19. USAID (2022, May). OFF-GRID SOLAR ENERGY MARKET CAMEROON. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/PAOP-Market-Assessment-Brief-Cameroon-English.pdf
  20. TimeCamp (n.d.). Average Salary in Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.timecamp.com/average-salary/cameroon/
  21. Worldsalaries (2024). Average Solar Energy Installation Manager Salary in Cameroon for 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://worldsalaries.com/average-solar-energy-installation-manager-salary-in-cameroon/
  22. Worldsalaries (2024). Average Solar Photovoltaic Installer Salary in Cameroon for 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://worldsalaries.com/average-solar-photovoltaic-installer-salary-in-cameroon/
  23. Worldometers (n.d.). Cameroon population. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/cameroon-population/
  24. Expat (n.d.). Warehouse 13000m2 for Rent in Douala. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.expat.com/en/housing/africa/cameroon/douala/62-storage-for-rent/757459-warehouse-13000m2-for-rent-in-douala.html
  25. Stopblablacam (2018, June 8). Yes, the price of water varies according to the area in Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.stopblablacam.com/culture-and-society/0806-1807-yes-the-price-of-water-varies-according-to-the-area-in-cameroon
  26. Business in Cameroon (2017, April 12). Yaoundé and Douala in the top 15 of African cities with the most expensive office rents, according to British firm Knight Frank. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.businessincameroon.com/business/1204-7052-yaounde-and-douala-in-the-top-15-of-african-cities-with-the-most-expensive-office-rents-according-to-british-firm-knight-frank
  27. Statista (2024, March). Non-life insurances – Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/outlook/fmo/insurances/non-life-insurances/cameroon
  28. World Bank Group (2024, March 28). Assess current approach for planning and implementation of the expansion of the power sector in Cameroon and propose improvements based on best practices in international experience on countries  with growing demand. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099062524045577629/pdf/P1749601f25ce3088189fc1a91a074802f2.pdf
  29. Enerdata (2024, June). Cameroon energy report. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.enerdata.net/estore/country-profiles/cameroon.html
  30. Enerdata (2022). Cameroon energy information. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.enerdata.net/estore/energy-market/cameroon/
  31. LAW N° 2011/022 (2011, December 14). Governing the electricity Sector in Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://rise.esmap.org/data/files/library/cameroon/Electricity%20Access/Cameroon_Law%202011-022.pdf
  32. ReGlobal (2020, June 15). The emerging solar policy and regulatory landscape in Africa. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://reglobal.org/the-emerging-solar-policy-and-regulatory-landscape-in-africa/
  33. Microgrid knowledge (2021, April 5). Minigrids Act as the Seed of Change in Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.microgridknowledge.com/editors-choice/article/11428145/minigrids-act-as-the-seed-of-change-in-cameroon
  34. Invest in Africa (n.d.). Invest in Africa – How We Can Help you Apply for Funding, Invest in Africa and Promote your Business. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.afsic.net/invest-africa/
  35. Business in Cameroon (2024, May 10). Cameron Reveals Plan to Boost Renewable Energy Output by 1,500 MW by 2035. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.businessincameroon.com/energy/1005-13823-cameron-reveals-plan-to-boost-renewable-energy-output-by-1-500-mw-by-2035
  36. Power for all (2018, August). A mini-grid market opportunity assessment of Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.powerforall.org/application/files/7815/3546/7573/powerforall-research-minigrd-market-Cameroon.pdf
  37. Scientific Research (2024, August 8). Current State of Energy Production in Cameroon and Projection for 2035. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=135277
  38. Scatec (2024, June 10). Release by Scatec extends solar plants in Cameroon by 28.6 MW solar and 19.2 MWh BESS. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://scatec.com/2024/06/10/release-by-scatec-extends-solar-plants-in-cameroon-by-28-6-mw-solar-and-19-2-mwh-bess
  39. ENF solar (n.d.). Solar System Installers in Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.enfsolar.com/directory/installer/Cameroon
  40. Solarctrl (2024, January 29). Top 10 Solar Energy System Supplier in Cameroon. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.solarctrl.com/blog/cameroon-top-solar-energy-system-supplier/

Key points

  • All figures have been converted into USD

Yearly sunshine (sun hours per year)

The total annual sunshine in Cameroon varies by location, ranging from approximately 1,644 to 2,927 hours.1

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kWh per kWp installed

The annual average potential for photovoltaic (PV) energy generation in Cameroon is approximately 1.5 – 1.6 MWh/kWp.2

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Average cost per kWh from utility company

As of December 2023, residential electricity prices are approximately $0.084 per kWh, while businesses pay about $0.178 per kWh.3

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Reliability of electrical power supply grid

Cameroon’s electrical grid faces substantial reliability challenges, including frequent outages, transmission constraints, and high distribution losses.

Power outages are common in major cities like Yaoundé and Douala due to a supply-demand imbalance that regularly exceeds 80 MW. Extreme weather conditions like drought have worsened the situation, reducing output from hydroelectric plants.4

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Transmission constraints are a major cause of power supply disruptions, with the overloading of facilities operated by the National Electricity Transport Company (Sonatrel). Eneo, the electricity distributor, has proposed to Sonatrel to carry out repairs and deduct costs from the debt owed to Sonatrel.5

Distribution losses are significant, with the duration of power outages declining by only 8% in 2018 despite a high number of blackout hours.6

 

Detailed Information

  • All figures have been converted into USD

    • Total solar panel production capacity (installed)

    Total installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Cameroon is approximately 62 MW.7

    Total solar panel production capacity (projected)

    The government plans to boost Cameroon’s solar capacity to 250 MW by 2030. This will make Cameroon one of the leading solar energy producers in Africa.8

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

    • Hydro power- 0.67 $/kWh 9
    • Solar power – 0.06-0.08 $/kWh 10
    • Hybrid systems (PV/diesel/small hydro/battery) – 0.443-0.656 $/kWh 11

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

    12

    • Hydroelectricity: 56.15%
    • Fossil Fuels: 43.84% (17.55% from natural gas and 26.29% from oil)
    • Solar Energy: 0.1%

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

    On average, electricity availability from the national grid in Cameroon is around 16 to 18 hours per day. This can vary depending on the region and current grid conditions, with some areas experiencing even more limited availability due to power outages and scheduled rationing measures.45

    Number of residential solar panel installations

    13141516

    According to Power Africa’s analysis of off-grid market demand and purchasing power, 59% of the total potential market consists of target consumer households. Among the regions mapped for off-grid market potential, three account for over 50% of the total: Far North (27%), North (17%), and Northwest (12%).

    Here are some notable programs supporting solar power adoption for households:

    • upOwa – over 40,000 solar installations
    • African Export-Import Bank – 13,000 rural households
    • Program supported by Credit Sahel – over 6,100 households
    • Individual Initiatives: over 200 households

    Total number of solar farms (installed and projected)

    There are 7 solar farms in Cameroon, with the largest located in Maroua and Guider, totaling over 36 MW of capacity. These include more than 44,000 solar panels and battery energy storage systems.1718

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

    With approximately 35% of rural households lacking access to electricity (2019), there is a pressing need for off-grid solutions. 12

    According to a 2019 report, a total 135 mini-grids have been installed. Investments in off-grid solar projects in Central Africa have predominantly come from crowdfunding initiatives, which amounted to $1.38 million in 2018, and from government or donor funding, which totaled $3.75 million in 2017. 16

    The expansion of mobile banking and financing options, such as pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) models, is facilitating greater participation in the off-grid solar market. 19

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

    1619

    The on-grid solar market in Cameroon is projected to grow as the government and private sector invest in renewable energy infrastructure.

    The government aims to increase access to electricity significantly by 2035, with plans to connect more localities to the grid. The Rural Electrification Master Plan (PDER) seeks to connect 500 new localities per year.

    The Cameroon 2020 Photovoltaic Power Project aims to develop 500 MW of installed solar capacity, targeting both grid-unconnected rural villages and underserved urban populations.

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

    • The average monthly salary in Cameroon is approximately $800.20
    • Solar Energy Installation Manager: the average monthly salary is approximately $1,057. 21
    • Solar Photovoltaic Installer: the average monthly salary is approximately $458.22

    Population of the country

    The current population of Cameroon is 29,284,473.23

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

    Estimate for Factory Rent 24

    Industrial factory and warehouse rent prices in Cameroon are approximately $1 per square meter per month, depending on the location and specific characteristics of the property.

    Industrial Electricity Rates 3

    As of 2023, the average electricity price in Cameroon is approximately $0.178 per kWh.

    Water Costs 25

    Industrial clients in Cameroon have five different tariffs, ranging from $0.55 to $0.65 per cubic meter.

    Salaries and Wages 2122

    Worker of solar industry in Cameroon earn between $458 and $1,057 monthly, depending on the position.

    Rent for Office Space 26

    Yaoundé and Douala in the top 15 of African cities with the most expensive office rents. The average monthly price for office rents ranges from $22 to $25 per m² per month

    Insurance 27

    The average spending per capita on non-life insurance in Cameroon is projected to be approximately $36.87in 2024

    A summary of the energy infrastructure

    282930

    Energy Mix

    Cameroon’s electricity generation is primarily dominated by hydropower, which accounts for approximately 56% of the total energy mix. The hydropower potential is primarily concentrated in the southern regions, particularly along the Sanaga River.

    Renewables (including solar) are contributing only 2%, with recent developments such as a 30 MW solar park in the northern region.

    Infrastructure and Interconnections 

    Cameroon’s electricity infrastructure consists of three main interconnected subsystems:

    • Southern Interconnected Subsystem (RIS): Covers the Littoral, West, Centre, South, North-West, and South-West regions, with an installed capacity of approximately 1,400 MW.
    • Eastern Interconnected Subsystem (RIE): Primarily serves the East region with a capacity of 42 MW.
    • Northern Interconnected Subsystem (RIN): Serves the northern regions with a capacity of 102 MW.

    As of November 2022, the RIE was connected to the RIS via a medium-voltage transmission line, although reliability issues persist. The overall access rate to electricity is about 65.4%, with significant disparities between urban (94.7%) and rural areas (24.8%).

    Main Government Institutions

    The key government institution overseeing energy policy in Cameroon is the Ministry of Water and Energy (MINEE). This body is responsible for designing and implementing national energy policies and strategies aimed at improving electricity access and promoting renewable energy development.

    Perenco and Victoria Oil & Gas are the key players in the country’s oil and gas sector.

    Export / Import

    Cameroon has been working towards becoming an energy exporter in Central Africa, leveraging its hydropower potential. However, it currently imports all oil products due to a fire incident at its sole refinery in 2019.

    Policy Goal

    The government has set ambitious goals to achieve universal access to electricity by 2035 and plans to increase generation capacity by at least 3,500 MW through various hydroelectric projects and renewable energy initiatives. Additionally, there is a target for renewable energy to comprise 25% of the electricity mix by 2035 and a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% compared to 2010 levels, with solar energy in Cameroon expected to contribute significantly to these efforts.

    Some of the government regulations surrounding solar panel production

    19313233

    Electricity Sector Law: The law enacted on December 14, 2011, defines renewable energy sources, including solar energy, and establishes the conditions for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.

    Licenses: Developers must obtain licenses from the Ministry of Water and Energy (MINEE) and the Electricity Sector Regulatory Board to operate mini-grids. This includes licenses for electricity generation, distribution, and sales, particularly for high- and medium-voltage power.

    Concessions: A concession agreement is required, granting developers exclusive rights to use specific state land for the construction and operation of mini-grids. This agreement outlines the terms under which the developer can operate.

    Technical Standards: Companies must meet technical requirements set by regulatory bodies, including safety standards for equipment and infrastructure used in mini-grid operations.

    Environmental Compliance: Developers are also required to adhere to environmental regulations that govern the impact of their projects on local ecosystems.

    Financial Guarantees: Applicants must provide financial guarantees to demonstrate their capability to fulfill operational obligations and ensure project sustainability

    Investment Encouragement: The government has initiated tax cuts to attract funding for solar projects, aiming to stabilize the energy grid and increase solar capacity significantly by 2030.

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

    33343536

    Investments

    Public-Private Partnerships: The government collaborates with international organizations and private companies to develop large-scale solar plants and mini-grids. For instance, recent projects funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) aim to enhance solar capacity in northern regions of Cameroon.

    Rural Electrification Programs: Initiatives like the installation of mini photovoltaic solar power plants aim to improve electricity access in rural areas, with over 360 mini-grids constructed to date.

    Subsidies and Financial Incentives

    Tax Exemptions: To attract investment in solar projects, the government offers tax exemptions for renewable energy projects, including VAT exemptions on solar equipment and customs duty waivers for imports related to solar energy until 2025.

    Feed-in tariffs: Cameroon currently does not have a formal feed-in tariff (FiT) framework for renewable energy projects, including solar energy. The existing policies and regulatory environment do not provide specific revenue-based incentives for mini-grids or other renewable energy installations. Public tariffs in the country are reviewed every five years, but these do not include mechanisms to support independent power producers through feed-in tariffs or similar incentives.

    Notable solar projects in the country (installed and projected)

    173738

    Maroua and Guider Solar Power Plants: Commissioned in September 2023, these plants represent Cameroon’s first public solar initiative, with a combined capacity of 36 MW. They are expected to significantly reduce reliance on thermal power in the Northern Interconnected Grid (NIG) and save the government costs associated with diesel fuel.

    Garoua Solar Power Plant: A new 20 MW solar facility is planned for Garoua, further contributing to the region’s clean energy supply.

    JCM Solar PV Project: This project aims to establish a 72 MW solar power plant near Mbalmayo, enhancing the grid’s capacity and reliability.

    Expansion by Scatec: Scatec is extending its solar capacity in Cameroon by adding 28.6 MW and 19.2 MWh of battery storage to existing plants, which will collectively serve around 200,000 households.

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

    3940

    African Solar Generation (ASG)

    • Headquarters: Yaoundé, Cameroon
      • Website:       asgeneration.com
      • Details:       ASG is dedicated to combating energy poverty in Cameroon by providing solar solutions for families, businesses, and institutions. They focus on high-quality solar installations and offer consulting services during the feasibility phase of projects.

    Solarctrl

    • Headquarters: Foshan, China
      • Website:       https://www.solarctrl.com/
      • Details:       Solarctrl is dedicated to advancing solar energy solutions through the provision of high-quality solar products and services. Their projects include the deployment of solar photovoltaic systems for both residential and commercial applications, aimed at increasing energy efficiency.

    upOwa

    • Headquarters: Yaoundé, Cameroon
      • Website:       https://www.upowa.energy/
      • Details:       upOwa is committed to expanding access to solar energy through innovative solutions tailored for off-grid communities. Their projects include the installation of solar home systems and solar-powered appliances, which aim to empower households and small businesses while enhancing energy independence.

    SunErgy Cameroon

    • Headquarters: Ombe, Cameroon
      • Website: https://sunergy-power.org/
      • Details: SunErgy operates small-scale solar power plants and has a project to provide solar power to 92 villages in the South-West Region, aiming to reach around 115,000 families. They also offer micro-financing and entrepreneurship training.

    Cameroon Solar Solutions

    • Headquarters: Yaoundé, Cameroon
      • Website: https://www.cameroonsolarsolutions.com/
      • Details: This company focuses on sustainable solar solutions for residential and commercial sectors, providing high-quality installations and dedicated after-sales support.

    Africa Offshore Services and Engineering Works PLC

    • Headquarters: Douala, Cameroon
      • Website: https://www.afoseworks.com/
      • Details: AFOSE Works PLC is committed to sustainable energy solutions, including the implementation of solar projects to enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

    Renewable Energy Innovators

    • Headquarters: Yaoundé, Cameroon
    • Website: https://rei-cameroon.com/
    • Details: REI Cameroon, focuses on developing innovative solar solutions, such as the installation of solar mini-grids and off-grid systems. Their projects, including solar electrification for rural communities and partnerships with local businesses, aim to empower local populations while contributing to the broader goal of renewable energy adoption in the region.

    iPekoSol

    • Headquarters: Yaoundé, Cameroon
    • Website: https://ipekosol.com/
    • Details: iPekoSol specializes in the installation of solar panels for residential and commercial use. Their projects, such as community solar farms and off-grid solar systems, aim to enhance energy access and promote sustainability.

Solar News Related to Cameroon

Scatec Expands its Solar Capacity in Cameroon to 64.4 MW

Scatec Expands its Solar Capacity in Cameroon to 64.4 MW

June 12, 2024

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