There are conflicting reports according to various sources. As of 2023, IRENA says that CAR’s total installed solar power capacity according is 25 MW. However, there are varying reports of more installed capacities – especially in 2024.⁵⁹

Exact figure is not given but;

The Central African Republic (CAR) aims to expand solar energy significantly. It is estimated that by using current solar projects CAR is intended to double its energy generation. CAR’s goal is to establish five mini-grids and to electrify 600 schools, hospitals, and 50% of households by 2030.⁶

Electricity generation costs are not given but;

In 2022, the average electricity price in the Central African Republic was $114.56 USD/MWh, with 99% of electricity generated from hydropower.³

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In the Central African Republic (CAR), residents previously experienced up to 16 hours of load shedding daily. However,

• With the new 25 MW Danzi solar plant, electricity availability is expected to improve significantly, especially for the capital, Bangui, and surrounding areas.⁸

Exact number is not given but;

Current installation ⁹¹⁰

Currently, solar power in CAR serves 20,000 households through the Bangui Solar PV Park and about 30% of Bangui’s electricity demand via the Sakai Solar PV Plant.

Projected installations ¹¹¹²

Future projects, including the expansion of Danzi Solar Power Plant to 40MW by the PARSE initiative, aim to provide power to 250,000 people and another 20,000 households, respectively.

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Installed Solar Farms

The Central African Republic (CAR) currently operates two key solar farms.

 Projected Solar Farms

Exact projected number is not available but;

• PARSE project aims to expand solar capacity by increasing Danzi Solar’s capacity from 25 MW to 40 MW and establish mini-grids and off-grid systems.

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Current Off-Grid Market Demand in the Central African Republic (CAR):

• The current off-grid solar market demand in CAR is primarily driven by the country’s lack of access to reliable electricity, with approximately 80% of the population living without access to the national grid. As a result, off-grid solar solutions, such as solar home systems (SHS), are increasingly being adopted, particularly in rural and remote areas. Off-grid solar energy systems have become a vital energy source for households, schools, healthcare centers, and small businesses.
• The demand for off-grid solutions has been supported by international organizations, such as the World Bank and USAID, which have implemented various initiatives to promote renewable energy in CAR. These initiatives include solar-powered agricultural systems, which are being used to improve productivity in the agriculture sector, and solar solutions for small businesses, which support local economic growth.
• The government’s efforts to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and provide energy access through solar mini-grids are also boosting the off-grid solar market. For instance, $7.6 million in funding has been allocated to improve access to electricity in rural areas through solar mini-grids. The demand for off-grid systems is also growing as energy independence becomes increasingly important for local communities, especially as they seek sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy solutions.

Future Off-Grid Market Demand in the Central African Republic (CAR):

• The future off-grid solar market in CAR is expected to expand significantly, with increasing interest in clean and affordable energy solutions. As the government and international donors continue to prioritize the development of renewable energy, particularly in off-grid areas, solar mini-grids and solar-powered systems are projected to play a crucial role in providing electricity to underserved communities.
• The demand for solar solutions is expected to grow by over 15% annually over the next five years, supported by funding and ongoing projects. For example, the World Bank’s Electrification Financing Initiative is expected to invest $30 million into off-grid energy solutions across Africa, including CAR. This funding will support the installation of solar microgrids and battery storage systems that will help provide reliable, clean energy to remote and off-grid regions.
• As solar technology continues to improve and become more affordable, the adoption of off-grid solar systems in CAR is likely to rise, addressing the energy access challenges and contributing to the country’s broader goals of sustainable development and energy independence.

Current On-Grid Solar Market Demand in the Central African Republic (CAR):¹³

• The on-grid solar market in CAR is gaining momentum as the government prioritizes expanding access to reliable electricity. With the electrification rate currently at 35% in Bangui, 8% in provincial cities, and only 2% in rural areas, the demand for clean energy solutions is increasing. The Danzi 25-megawatt solar park, inaugurated in November 2023, is a major milestone, almost doubling the country’s electricity generation capacity. This park is designed to replace more than 90% of the energy generated by diesel, which is expensive and polluting.
• This project is part of a broader strategy, including the Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project (PARSE), which focuses on deploying solar mini-grids and providing solar kits to households and businesses. These initiatives aim to address the challenges of high energy costs and limited access, improving the livelihoods of residents and enhancing public services such as healthcare and education. The World Bank is a key partner, funding several initiatives to develop solar infrastructure and promote energy efficiency.

Future On-Grid Solar Market Demand in CAR:¹⁴

• By 2030, CAR aims to significantly increase its electrification rate, reaching 50% of the population, compared to just 16% This will create substantial demand for on-grid solar solutions, including large-scale plants and solar mini-grids. The focus will also shift towards battery storage to ensure consistent energy supply and minimize technical and non-technical losses.
• The government’s commitment to expanding clean energy projects is reflected in its ongoing partnerships with international organizations like the World Bank, which continues to support the development of solar infrastructure. The anticipated economic benefits include increased job creation, reduced kerosene and diesel consumption, and improved healthcare, education, and business productivity due to more reliable power.
• With an expected rise in solar adoption, the sector will contribute significantly to sustainable development by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering economic growth. As more solar plants and mini-grids are implemented, the demand for on-grid solar systems will likely grow, providing cleaner, more affordable energy to both urban and rural areas.

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in the Central African Republic typically earns around 5,201 USD yearly. The salary can range from a low average of about 2,417 USD/yr to a high average of 8,077 USD/yr.¹⁵

The current population of the Central African Republic is 5,395,621 ¹⁶

Estimate for Factory Rent

Monthly Average Warehouse Rental Cost ¹⁷¹⁸

Rental costs are not given but;

Starting a business in the Central African Republic (CAR) involves navigating several legal and procedural steps. For a typical limited liability company (LLC), here are the key aspects:

• Registration Process: It includes depositing the initial capital, obtaining various certificates (such as a residence certificate for the director), notarizing company documents, and registering at the Guichet Unique de formalité des Entreprises (GUFE). The whole process takes around 22 days, with the official registration costing approximately 127.8% of the income per capita.
• Legal Requirements: The company must be domestically owned, typically by five individuals, with a mix of shares. The company also needs to register its articles of association and meet local regulatory standards. There is a paid-in minimum capital requirement of 35.2% of the national income per capita.

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages: ¹⁵

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in the Central African Republic typically earns around 5,201 USD yearly. The salary can range from a low average of about 2,417 USD/yr to a high average of 8,077 USD/yr.

Monthly Rents for Office Space

Not available

Electricity Generation ⁴

• The Central African Republic (C.A.R.) generates a significant portion of its electricity from renewable sources, with hydropower accounting for nearly 99% of the installed capacity.

 Transmission & Distribution

• The Central African Republic (CAR) has limited electricity transmission and access, with only a small portion of the population having access to the national power grid

 Energy Access ³

• Electricity access remains very limited, with only 14% of the population having access, mostly in urban areas like the capital, Bangui. Most of the rural areas lack reliable electricity access.

Energy Exports ¹⁹

• In 2016, the Central African Republic did not export any electricity. The country primarily faces challenges related to limited infrastructure and access to energy, with most electricity being consumed domestically.

In CAR, solar energy is increasingly promoted as a means to enhance sustainability and reduce dependence on traditional energy sources. However. Due to high dependency on hydro, no definite regulations are related to solar panel productions. Below are the key regulations and considerations for renewable electricity installations in the country:²⁰

Decree No. 68/048 of 1968

• In the Central African Republic (CAR), electricity activities are governed by Decree No. 68/048 of 1968, which grants a distribution monopoly to ENERCA, the state-owned utility.
• However, this monopoly has been criticized due to poor service quality, which led the government to liberalize the sector in 2005, introducing the CAR Electricity Code to restructure and make ENERCA more viable.
• This restructuring allowed for greater private sector involvement, particularly through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

CAR’s broader strategy

• In 2004, the government also adopted a national energy policy promoting the development of renewable energies, including hydro, solar, and biomass, with a potential capacity of up to 2,000 MW.
• This policy is part of CAR’s broader strategy to address the low electrification rates, especially in rural areas, and to attract private investment for energy generation, distribution, and infrastructure improvement.
• Despite these efforts, challenges such as limited regulatory frameworks and financing persist.
• Additionally, industries such as mining and agriculture have taken the initiative to install solar kits and micro-hydro power stations for their own energy needs.
• This regulatory framework aims to improve the country’s energy access, which currently remains one of the lowest in the region.

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The Central African Republic (CAR) has made considerable strides in promoting solar energy production through several government initiatives and partnerships. Below are key government actions, including investments and subsidies, to drive the transition to solar power:

1. Danzi Solar Park:
   • In November 2023, CAR launched the Danzi solar park, a 25 MWp solar power plant located near Bangui. The plant, built with funding from the World Bank, represents a crucial step in CAR’s energy transformation, aimed at reducing dependency on diesel and increasing the use of renewable energy.
2. World Bank Financing:
   • The World Bank provided a €56 million grant through its International Development Association (IDA) to fund the solar park and associated infrastructure. This investment is part of CAR’s larger commitment to developing solar energy capacity and enhancing energy access across the nation.
   • The World Bank’s support includes mini-grids and solar kits, aimed at expanding energy access to rural communities and promoting sustainable development.
3. DFC Support for Solar Transformation:
   • The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has also supported solar projects in CAR. It provided financing and political risk insurance to SunFunder’s Solar Energy Transformation Fund to modernize and convert diesel-powered telecommunications towers into solar-powered ones. This project reduces the carbon footprint while increasing the reliability of energy in remote areas.
4. Power Africa Grants:
   • The Power Africa initiative, backed by the U.S. government, has awarded grants to companies like Simusolar and SureChill to expand solar-powered technologies in East and Central Africa, including CAR. Simusolar focuses on providing solar-powered irrigation systems to improve agricultural productivity, while SureChill offers solar-powered refrigeration solutions to ensure the preservation of goods like vaccines and fresh produce, especially in areas with unreliable power supply.

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Current Projects

Bangui Solar PV Park

• Location: Bangui, Central African Republic
• Capacity: 40 MW
• Inauguration Date: Expected commercial operation start in 2023
• Project Stage: Partially active, with construction commencing in 2021
• Details:

The Bangui Solar PV Park is fully owned by Energie Centrafricaine and is designed as a ground-mounted solar project, spanning an area of 75 hectares. It is expected to generate 38,350 MWh of electricity annually, providing clean energy to approximately 20,000 households. The project consists of 80,432 solar modules. Shanxi Construction Investment Group has been contracted to provide engineering, procurement, and construction services for the park.

Danzi Solar Power Plant

• Location: 20 km north of Bangui, Central African Republic
• Capacity: 25 MWp
• Inauguration Date: Inaugurated in 2024
• Project Stage: Operational
• Details: The Danzi Solar Power Plant covers 70 hectares and features 47,000 solar panels. It was developed as part of the Emergency Project for Access to Electricity (Puracell), funded by the World Bank. The plant feeds power into the national grid via a 63 kV transmission line. Shanxi Construction Investissement Group handled the installation, with a project cost of $61 million.

Sakai Solar PV Plant

• Location: Bimbo, Central African Republic
• Capacity: 15 MW
• Inauguration Date: May 2023
• Project Stage: Operational
• Details: The Sakai Solar PV plant, developed through collaboration between the Central African Republic and China, is the country’s first large-scale solar PV project. The plant, built by Tianjin Electric Power Construction Co. Ltd., consists of 33,432 solar panels covering 16 hectares. It provides power to factories, schools, and households in Bangui, offsetting about 30% of the city’s electricity demand. The plant is operated by Enerca, the national utility.

Future Projects

Access and Strengthening of the Electricity Sector Project (PARSE)

• Location: Central African Republic
• Funding: $138 million (World Bank – $83M, Green Climate Fund – $30M, Private financing – $25M)
• Capacity: Expanding Danzi Solar PV from 25 MWp to 40 MWp
• Project Stage: Under construction since June 2021
• Details: The project includes the construction of solar mini-grids, rehabilitation of the transmission network, and the installation of off-grid solar systems for households, schools, health centers, and administrative buildings. It will improve electricity access for at least 20,000 households in Bangui and neighbouring areas.

Africa Offshore Services and Engineering Works PLC (AFOSE Works)²⁵

• Website: https://www.afoseworks.com
• Products and Services: Solar panel and battery storage installation services, including smaller installations and supply partnerships with brands like Solar Fabrik GmbH, Victron Energy B.V., and Kostal Solar Electric GmbH.
• Location: Douala, Cameroon; serves Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad.

Aptech Africa Ltd.²⁶

• Website: https://aptechafrica.com
• Products and Services: Solar system installation and battery storage solutions, focusing on smaller installations.
• Location: Kampala, Uganda; operates in Central African Republic, Uganda, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda.