Total installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Guinea Bissau was approximately 2 MW.⁷

By 2030, Guinea-Bissau is projected to achieve a solar panel production capacity of 68 MW, driven by the installation of 66 MW of new solar PV capacity in and around major cities: 30 MW near Bissau, 15 MW near Bafata, 15 MW near Gabu, and 6 MW near Cacheu.⁸

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• Fossil fuels – $0.18/kWh (a decrease from $0.29 per kWh, thanks to improvements in the energy sector)
• Solar energy – $0.11/kWh

In 2016, the distribution of electricity generation sources in Guinea Bissau was as follows:¹⁰

• Fossil fuels: 89.74%
• Solar energy: 10.26%

The average daily availability of electricity from the national grid in Guinea-Bissau is ranging from 12 to 20 hours due to frequent blackouts or complete power outages caused by unpaid debts to the power supplier, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability.³¹¹¹²

While specific data on the number of residential solar panel installations in Guinea-Bissau is unavailable, previous community projects, such as the Farmers’ Clubs Renewable Energy in Oio, have introduced hybrid microgrids benefiting approximately 14,274 people. These projects support local schools and agriculture, with 2,600 small-scale farmers and their families directly benefiting from renewable energy solutions.¹³

In Guinea-Bissau, there are currently three major solar farms in various development phases:¹⁴¹⁵

• 30 MW solar power plant near Bissau.
• 20 MW solar PV project in Bissau.
• Two hybrid mini-grid systems in Gabu and Cahungo, totaling 1 MW.

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The off-grid market for solar panels in Guinea-Bissau presents significant potential due to the fact that approximately 65% of the population currently lacks access to electricity. This creates a substantial demand for off-grid solar solutions, particularly in rural areas that are not connected to the national grid.

The government has launched initiatives like the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), which aims to enhance access to sustainable electricity through autonomous photovoltaic solar systems. With the target of electrifying 80% of the population by 2030, Guinea-Bissau is set to face rising electricity demand, driven by population growth. By 2030, the demand for electricity is expected to reach at least 279 kWh per capita per year, up from just 16.78 kWh per capita in 2012.

However, a key challenge lies in the gap between household income levels and the cost of electricity in the future. To address this, private sector investment and foreign involvement are crucial to the expansion of renewable energy in Guinea-Bissau. Currently, all the technology required for clean electricity—ranging from end-user systems to the equipment used for generating and transmitting power—is imported, primarily from neighboring Senegal and Gambia. This highlights both the opportunity and challenge of developing a self-sustaining off-grid solar market in Guinea-Bissau.

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The on-grid market demand for solar panels in Guinea-Bissau is set to grow significantly, driven by government initiatives and major projects aimed at expanding electricity access and diversifying the energy mix. The Solar Energy Scale-up and Access Project, supported by a $35 million World Bank grant, focuses on developing solar generation and improving grid infrastructure for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.

The government is also developing Guinea-Bissau’s first solar power plants, including a 30 MWp plant near Bissau, aimed at reducing electricity costs and diversifying the energy mix. Battery storage will be integrated to stabilize power supply. Additionally, hybrid solar mini-grids will be installed on Bijagós islands, providing 500 kWp of solar capacity to over 1,200 households and businesses.

These initiatives are aligned with Guinea-Bissau’s goal of achieving 50% renewable energy penetration in grid peak demand by 2030. With over $50 million already raised for solar projects and strong private sector participation, the on-grid solar market in Guinea-Bissau shows a clear growth trajectory.

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• The average monthly salary in Guinea Bissau is approximately $167.
• Solar Energy Systems Engineer: the average monthly salary is approximately $507.
• Energy Technical Manager: the average monthly salary is approximately $565.

The current population of Guinea Bissau is 2,223,716.²²

Estimate for Factory Rent ²³

The average monthly rent of industrial properties in Guinea Bissau is approximately $2-$6 per square meter.

Industrial Electricity Rates ³

The average electricity rate in Guinea Bissau is approximately $0.38 per kWh.

Water Costs ²⁴

In Guinea-Bissau, the water tariff is structured as follows:

• Fixed premium: $0.95/month
• For consumption up to 30 m³/month: $0.21/m³
• For consumption over 30 m³/month: $0.33/m³

Salaries and Wages ²⁰²¹

Monthly salaries for workers in Guinea-Bissau’s solar industry range from $507 to $565, depending on the role.

Rent for Office Space ²³

The average monthly rent of commercial office properties in Guinea Bissau is approximately $5-$11 per square meter.

Insurance ²⁵

The average spending per capita for non-life insurance in Western Africa, including Guinea Bissau, is estimated to be $26.41 in 2024.

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Energy Mix

Guinea-Bissau’s energy mix is predominantly reliant on thermal generation, with approximately 98% of electricity produced from fossil fuels. The country has made limited progress in integrating renewable energy sources, which currently contribute only about 2% to the overall energy supply.

Key Institutions

The primary institution overseeing the energy sector is Electricidade e Águas da Guiné-Bissau (EAGB), responsible for electricity and water services.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy formulates policies and oversees EAGB.

Guinea-Bissau is also part of regional initiatives like the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project, which aims to enhance regional cooperation in energy.

Export / Import

Guinea-Bissau relies on electricity imports from neighboring countries due to insufficient domestic generation capacity. The country is involved in regional interconnections through projects like the OMVG (Gambia River Basin Development Organization), which will facilitate electricity imports and improve supply reliability.

Policy Goals

The government has set ambitious policy goals under the SEforALL (Sustainable Energy for All) initiative, aiming for:

• 80% access to electricity by 2030
• 50% of renewable energies in the national grid
• 75% access to clean cooking solutions.

Challenges

The solar industry sector in Guinea Bissau faces challenges such as political instability, poor management practices, and inadequate infrastructure, which can hinder progress towards achieving set goals.

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Laws N.° 2/2007 and 3/2007: These laws liberalized the energy and electricity markets in Guinea-Bissau, establishing general provisions regarding the production, distribution, and supply of electricity. They provide a foundation for private sector participation in renewable energy projects, including solar power.

National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP): This plan outlines the government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy, including solar energy. It aims to create a conducive environment for solar installations by establishing guidelines and incentives for development.

Permitting Process: While there are no specific regulations for permits related to solar panel installations, it is generally understood that installations require compliance with local regulations, which may include obtaining construction permits and ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards.

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Support from International Organizations: The World Bank is providing support for the development of solar power plants in Guinea-Bissau as part of its broader commitment to enhancing energy access in the region. The World Bank has approved a $35 million grant aimed at increasing access to solar energy for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.

Public-Private Partnerships: The government is encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to facilitate investment in solar energy projects. This approach aims to attract private investors to develop solar infrastructure while ensuring that local communities benefit from improved energy access.

Subsidies for Solar Home Systems: Under the ROGEAP framework, there are provisions for subsidies that help reduce the upfront costs of solar home systems for low-income households. This includes financial support for purchasing solar kits that provide electricity to homes without access to the national grid.

Tax Exemptions: Solar panels are exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT), which encourages investment in solar technologies. However, other components of solar kits, such as inverters, batteries, and controllers, do not benefit from this exemption.

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Guinea-Bissau Solar Energy Scale-up and Access Project

• Capacity: 30 MW
• Location: Near Bissau
• Investor: World Bank, International Development Association (IDA), Green Climate Fund (GCF)
• Details: This project involves the development of utility-scale solar parks and the enhancement of existing solar grid infrastructure. It aims to improve electricity access for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers across the country. The project is expected to run until June 2030 and will also support capacity building for local institutions.

Bissau Solar PV Park 1

• Capacity: 20 MW
• Location: Bissau
• Investor: Sinohydro Corp Ltd
• Details: This is a planned ground-mounted solar PV project currently in the dormant stage. It aims to contribute to the country’s electricity generation capacity but has not yet commenced construction.

Mini-Grids on Bijagós Islands

• Capacity: Approximately 500 kWp (combined across multiple mini-grids)
• Location: Bijagós Islands (Bolama, Rubane, and Bubaque)
• Investor: World Bank, local government, private partners
• Details: These mini-grids will utilize renewable energy sources, including solar power, to provide electricity to around 1,200 households and small businesses. The project aims to enhance energy access in remote areas of Guinea-Bissau.

FRES Guinea-Bissau

• Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Website: https://fres.nl/company/guinea-bissau/
• Details: FRES provides affordable solar electricity services to households, businesses, and institutions in various regions of Guinea-Bissau. They focus on rural electrification through solar home systems and mini-grids.

Energias de Portugal (EDP)

• Headquarters: Lisbon, Portugal
• Website: www.edp.com/en
• Details: EDP is involved in renewable energy projects across Africa, including solar initiatives in Guinea-Bissau. They aim to enhance energy access and sustainability through investments in solar technology.

Sun King

• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
• Website: www.greenlightplanet.com
• Details: Sun King offers solar home systems and pay-as-you-go solar solutions for off-grid households in Guinea-Bissau. Their products aim to improve energy access for underserved communities.

SunCulture

• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
• Website: sunculture.com
• Details: SunCulture specializes in solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers in Africa, including Guinea-Bissau. Their technology helps improve agricultural productivity while providing sustainable energy solutions.

Sunia Energy

• Headquarters: Valencia, Spain
• Website: https://suniaenergy.com/
• Details: Sunia Energy is offering turnkey solutions tailored to client needs. Specializing in photovoltaic solar parks, energy self-consumption, and wind farms, Sunia excels in project development, EPC construction, O&M maintenance, and energy optimization, ensuring high-quality and efficient energy solutions globally.

Impar Energia

• Headquarters: Bissau, Guinea Bissau
• Website: https://www.imparenergia.com/
• Details: Impar Energia specializes in sustainable energy and infrastructure solutions, including solar energy, water supply systems, and public lighting. Key projects include solar water pumps in Bissorã, public lighting at the Bubaque port, and water supply initiatives for cities like Bafata and Farim, showcasing their commitment to enhancing local communities’ access to essential resources.