Eswatini has an installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of approximately 11 MW. ⁵

The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) has announced plans to construct solar PV projects with a total capacity of 75 MW starting at the end of 2024. ⁶

In Eswatini, specific data on the average cost of various electricity production sources is not readily available.

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Hydropower: 51.72%

Bioenergy: 41. 38%

Coal: 6.90%

Others: less than 1%

In Eswatini, the average daily availability of electricity from the national grid is approximately 20 to 22 hours per day.

In terms of power outage frequency, about 85% of respondents reported experiencing outages 1 to 3 times per week. Rural areas faced longer outages, averaging around 14.62 hours, compared to 5.3 hours in urban areas. Additionally, the Lubombo region experienced longer power outages than other regions. ⁸

The exact number of residential solar panel installations in Eswatini isn’t readily available. However, the country has been making strides in increasing solar energy adoption. The Bulimeni solar PV-Battery minigrid project facilitates household electrification for the Bulimeni community, which includes 92 households. Additionally, a minigrid in the village of Mvundla, located in Manzini, supplies electricity to 21 homes and 2 churches. ⁹

From publicly available data, it seems like there is one installed solar farm and one projected solar farm in Eswatini. ¹⁰¹¹

Eswatini’s peak local electricity demand was 245.17 MW in 2020 and is projected to rise to 334 MW by 2035. This growing demand presents a significant opportunity for expanding solar power, particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors. The approved capacity for Small-Scale Embedded Generators (SSEGs) increased from 17.27 MW in 2021/22 to 21.28 MW in 2022/23, reflecting a 23.2% growth rate in one year. This notable growth indicates strong market demand for SSEG solutions. ¹²

Current Demand ⁵: As of 2023, the installed capacity for on-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Eswatini was 11 MW.

Projected Demand ⁶: Eswatini is planning to significantly increase its solar power capacity. The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) has confirmed that the construction of projects totaling 75 MW of solar PV generating capacity will begin at the end of 2024, and are expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

The average monthly salary of a solar industry worker is not readily available. However, the typical gross salary range for workers in Eswatini spans from $269.09 USD to $865.66 USD. This can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific employer. ¹³

As of December 2024, the population of Eswatini is approximately 1,249,616 people. ¹⁴

The overhead costs for solar panel production in Eswatini typically range from 20% to 25% of the total production cost.

Labor costs:

The average monthly salary for workers in Eswatini ranges from $269.09 to $865.66 USD. This range can vary significantly based on the industry, with higher wages typically found in sectors like mining and international organizations. ¹³

Utilities

Industrial Electricity Prices : Approximately $0.080 USD per kilowatt-hour. ³

The average cost of water in Eswatini is approximately $0.024 USD per liter.

Utility bills, which include water, electricity, and heating, typically range from $2.41 USD – $3.67 USD. ¹⁵

Rent: The average cost of renting a warehouse in Eswatini can vary based on location and size:

Sidwashini Industrial Site in Mbabane: The monthly rent for a 225 sqm warehouse costs around $839.16 USD, which is approximately $3.73 USD per sqm. ¹⁶

Facility Maintenance cost: The average facility maintenance costs for manufacturing facilities in Eswatini can vary based on the size of the facility, the type of manufacturing, and the specific maintenance requirements. Generally, maintenance costs include expenses for regular upkeep, repairs, and utilities.

Administrative Expenses costs associated with the management of the production process, including salaries of administrative staff, office supplies, and other general expenses, typically add up to a substantial part of the overhead.

Quality control expenses incurred to ensure the solar panels meet performance and safety standards, including testing and inspections.

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Eswatini’s energy infrastructure is a comprehensive system that includes generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. Key data points about the infrastructure are as follows:

Total Installed Capacity:

• Eswatini’s total installed capacity as of 2022 is approximately 189.065 megawatts (MW). This capacity is primarily composed of  hydropower having 61%, with the remainder contributed by local Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

Electricity Access:

• Over 80% of the population has access to electricity, a significant increase from 20% in 2001. However, rural areas still face challenges in connectivity.

Electricity Generation:

• The total electricity generated in Eswatini as of 2021 is approximately 570.900 GWh with renewable sources having 530.200 GWh, primarily from hydropower sources. Major hydropower plants include Edwaleni, Maguga, Ezulwini, and Maguduza.

Renewable Energy:

• The country is investing in renewable energy to diversify its energy mix. Notable projects include:
• Lavumisa Solar PV Plant: A 10 MW solar plant that tracks the sun to maximize energy production.
• Biomass Energy: Companies like Ubombo Sugar Limited use bagasse for power generation.

Electricity Imports:

• Eswatini imports a significant portion of its electricity from South Africa and Mozambique to meet its demand.

Government Initiatives:

• The National Energy Policy of 2018 promotes private sector investment and liberalizes the electricity sector. Public-private partnerships and financial incentives are also in place to encourage renewable energy projects.

Future Goals:

• The government aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix and reduce reliance on imported electricity. This includes ambitious targets for solar, hydro, and biomass energy.

In Eswatini, the Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) plays a key role in regulating the energy sector, including the manufacturing of solar panels. The Energy Regulatory Act, 2007 and the Electricity Act, 2007 are the primary legislative frameworks governing this sector. ¹⁸

Energy Regulatory Act, 2007: Establishes ESERA and outlines its responsibilities, including the regulation of renewable energy sources like solar power.

Electricity Act, 2007: Provides the legal framework for the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity, including renewable energy sources

Eswatini Independent Power Producers Policy: Encourages private investment in renewable energy projects, including solar power.

Importation Process ¹⁹: Importing solar panels and related equipment into Eswatini involves several key regulations and procedures

Permits and Documentation: Importers need to obtain permits for certain goods, including electrical appliances like solar panels. These permits are issued by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Quality Standards ²⁰: In Eswatini, the quality standards for solar products are overseen by the Eswatini Standards Authority (SWASA):

Standards Development: SWASA develops and adopts standards to ensure the quality and safety of products, including solar panels. They work on both local standards and adopt international standards where necessary.

Compliance: Imported solar products must comply with these standards to ensure they meet safety, performance, and environmental requirements. This includes adherence to international standards like ISO 90001.

Quality Assurance: SWASA provides quality assurance services to help industries maintain high standards. This includes testing and certification of products to ensure they meet the required specifications.

The standards also aim to protect consumers by ensuring that the products they purchase are safe and reliable

Minigrid and Micro-grid Guidelines: Provide regulations for smaller-scale renewable energy projects, which can include solar panel installations

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In Eswatini, there are specific incentives and exemptions for solar panel producers to encourage the growth of renewable energy. Here are some key points:

• Duty Exemptions: Solar panel producers may benefit from duty exemptions on the importation of raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of solar panels. This helps reduce the overall production costs.
• Tax Incentives: The government offers various tax incentives to promote investment in renewable energy. These may include reduced corporate tax rates, tax holidays, and exemptions from value-added tax (VAT) on certain equipment and materials.
• Investment Promotion: The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) provides support and incentives to attract foreign and local investments in the renewable energy sector. This includes assistance with obtaining necessary permits and navigating regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Support: The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) works to create a favorable regulatory environment for renewable energy projects, including solar panel production. This includes streamlined processes for project approvals and support for grid integration.
• Independent Power Producers (IPPs): The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) has launched procurement processes to award contracts to IPPs for solar PV generation. This includes the awarding of contracts for 75MW of solar PV generation capacities.
• Financial Incentives: The government provides financial incentives to reduce the cost of solar panel installation and encourage investment in solar energy projects. This includes subsidies and tax incentives for both residential and commercial solar installations.
• Innovation and Research: Continued innovation in photovoltaic (PV) technology drives down costs and improves efficiency, making solar energy more accessible and attractive for both small-scale and large-scale applications.

Edwaleni solar farm: ²¹

• Location: Edwaleni, Manzini Region, Eswatini.
• Capacity: 100 MW
• Status: Pre-construction

Lavumisa solar PV plant: ¹²

• Location: Shiselweni, Eswatini..
• Capacity: 10 MW
• Status: Active since september 2021

• Solsun:²² Operating in Matsapha, Solsun provides various solar products and installation services, focusing on customer satisfaction and long-term solutions.
• Solar!Hello:²³ Based in Mbabane, they offer a range of solar services, including residential and commercial solar solutions, maintenance, and support.
• Simply Swazi: They design, engineer, and install custom solar energy solutions, net structures, greenhouses along with other sustainable infrastructure.
• Winbrite Solar Shop: Located in Ezulwini, they offer solar panel installations and other solar-related products.
• Solar Energy Solutions Swaziland: Based in Matsapha, they provide solar panel installation services for both residential and commercial properties.
• Watts Up Solar: They specialize in installing solar systems for homes and offices. They offer consultations and can help set up a solar project tailored to your needs.