As of 2023, Namibia’s total solar power installed capacity is 170 MW.⁶

By 2030, Namibia is projected to have a total installed capacity of 510 MW from grid-connected renewable energy sources.⁷

Major source of electricity generation is hydro in Namibia. Hence, following information is given;⁸

Hydro

The average electricity price in Namibia is 133.29 USD/MWh in 2022.

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The electricity infrastructure in Namibia faces frequent interruptions, but specific data on daily availability in hours is not clearly reported ¹¹¹²⁹

• In Namibia, electricity availability varies depending on location, weather, and infrastructure issues.
• Power outages, often due to weather conditions like rainfall and lightning or equipment failure, are common.
• These outages can last from several hours to days, especially in areas where the infrastructure is under repair or affected by severe conditions.

Current installation ¹³

As of the latest information, specific data on the exact number of homes with solar installations in Namibia isn’t readily available. But;

• In Namibia, less than 10% of households use solar energy for cooking, heating, or lighting, according to data from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).

Projected installations ¹⁴

As of the latest information, specific data on the exact number of homes with future solar installations in Namibia isn’t readily available. However,

By 2025, it is anticipated that 80% of Namibia’s population will have access to renewable energy, largely driven by off-grid solar solutions.

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Current Solar Farms: 25

Planned or Upcoming Solar Farms: 20+

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Current Off-Grid Solar Panel Demand in Namibia:

• Over half of Namibia’s rural population lacks access to electricity, largely due to high costs and logistical challenges associated with extending the national grid.
• Currently, only 20% of the national power grid’s energy mix comes from renewable sources, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in off-grid solar solutions.
• The PROCEED Project is focused on developing off-grid hybrid energy systems, including photovoltaic (PV) mini-grids and battery systems, to enhance electricity access in underserved areas.
• The Solar Revolving Fund (SRF), established in 1996, provides loans for solar technologies, and as of June 2023, 84 borrowers have benefited from the fund, highlighting its role in improving access to solar energy.
• High initial costs for solar system implementation and maintenance, including battery replacements, remain significant barriers for many rural communities.
• Access to finance is a major hurdle, though the SRF addresses this by providing loans; however, affordability continues to be an issue.
• Solar water pumps and lighting systems have notably improved agricultural productivity and household activities, demonstrating the practical benefits of solar technology in rural settings.

Future Off-Grid Solar Panel Demand in Namibia:

• Future projects will continue to explore and implement cutting-edge technologies in mini-grids and hybrid systems, such as those supported by the PROCEED Project.
• Increased financing options are expected through new SRF windows designed to better support low-income and productive users, complemented by advancements in digital infrastructure for easier access to funds.
• The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) plans to maintain and expand the SRF, with ongoing support from additional donors aimed at increasing off-grid solar access.
• Greater emphasis on awareness campaigns and education about solar technologies is anticipated to boost adoption rates and utilization across rural areas.
• Recommendations for improvement include hiring additional staff to manage programs and exploring digital solutions for more efficient loan processing and management.
• The potential exists for scaling up off-grid solar solutions significantly, with a continued commitment from political leaders to support and expand these initiatives.Top of Form

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Current On-Grid Demand for Solar Panels in Namibia

• Namibia’s on-grid solar demand is moderate but growing, with significant reliance on solar energy projects integrated into the national grid. The existing infrastructure mainly supports urban and semi-urban areas, with ongoing efforts to extend coverage to rural regions.
• As of recent data, Namibia’s solar PV capacity. This contributes around 25% to the country’s local energy generation, mainly utilized in regional and national grids, including major projects like the Outapi Solar Farm and Solar Andis Central.
• The current on-grid solar capacity shows substantial progress but still reflects an early phase of development. The solar energy sector in Namibia is expanding but needs further investment and infrastructure to meet future demands.

Future On-Grid Demand for Solar Panels in Namibia

• Future on-grid solar demand in Namibia is anticipated to rise significantly. Energy needs are expected to grow to 930 MW by 2025 and 1,348 MW by 2030, with a strong focus on renewable energy sources.
• Namibia aims to produce 70% of its energy from renewables by 2030. This includes substantial investments in solar energy to reduce dependence on imported electricity and enhance national energy security.
• Ongoing projects like the solar farms and green hydrogen initiatives are central to increasing solar capacity.
• Collaborative efforts with organizations and investment in new technologies are expected to drive future growth.
• The expansion will require upgrading grid infrastructure, increasing energy storage solutions, and overcoming investment challenges. However, Namibia’s favorable solar conditions and commitment to renewable energy present significant opportunities for growth.

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Namibia typically earns around 6,661 USD per year, with salaries ranging from 3,240 USD to 10,665 USD per year.²⁰

The current population of Namibia is 3,043,560 ²¹

Estimate for Factory Rent

Monthly Average Warehouse costs ²²

Here is the range of warehouse rents in Namibia;

Lowest Rent:

• Location: Oshakati Central
• Rent: 954 USD per month

Highest Rent:

• Location: Prosperita (large property)
• Rent: 21,200 USD per month

So, warehouse rents in Namibia typically range from approximately 954 USD to 21,200 USD per month.

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages: ²⁰

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Namibia typically earns around 6,661 USD per year, with salaries ranging from 3,240 USD to 10,665 USD per year.

Commercial electricity Price ⁷

For commercial electricity consumers, an average cost of 0.125 USD/kWh is observed.

Office Rental Cost ²³

Here are the locations, areas, and rent ranges for office spaces in Namibia:

Lowest Rent:

• Location: Prosperita
• Area: 1m² (shared space)
• Rent: 159 USD per month

Highest Rent:

• Location: Southern Industrial Area
• Area: 1,150 m²
• Rent: 7,849 USD per month

Electricity Generation ²⁴

• Namibia primarily generates its electricity through hydropower.
• Additionally, it is among the top ten largest uranium resource-holders globally, contributing 8.2% of the world’s uranium production. The country has expressed interest in incorporating nuclear power into its energy mix.

 Transmission & Distribution ²⁵

• Namibia’s electricity transmission network, managed by NamPower, consists of high-voltage lines connecting power generation sources to regional substations and distribution networks.
• The grid includes cross-border connections with neighboring countries to facilitate electricity imports and trading.

 Energy Access ²⁶

In 2021, Namibia’s electricity access rate was 55.23%, marking a 2.93% increase from 2020

Energy Exports ²⁷

• In 2022, Namibia exported $6.15 million worth of electricity, with the primary destinations being Botswana ($5.45 million) and South Africa ($706,000).
• During the same year, Namibia imported $235 million in electricity, primarily from Zambia ($117 million), South Africa ($93.3 million), and Zimbabwe ($24.9 million).

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Regulations for Personal Solar System Installation

• For personal use, installing a solar system in Namibia requires minimal technical requirements and is not heavily regulated. Individuals setting up solar systems for home use are not subject to strict regulations.

Licensing Requirements for Solar Systems

• If the solar system’s capacity is less than 500KVA and is used solely for private purposes, it is exempt from needing a license. This regulation simplifies the process for homeowners wanting to use solar energy.

Commercial Solar Systems and Licensing

• If there is a commercial aspect, such as selling electricity to a third party, a license becomes necessary. This regulation ensures that commercial solar energy transactions are regulated and monitored.

High-Capacity Solar Systems and Licensing

• For solar systems with a capacity exceeding 500KVA, a license is mandatory, regardless of whether the system is used for private or commercial purposes. This regulation applies to larger installations which are less common in residential settings.

Net Metering and Tariffs

• Net metering allows homeowners to use the electricity they generate at any time, rather than when it is produced. This system helps in balancing energy consumption and production and involves paying a tariff to the municipality for the net metering service.

Electrical geyser tax

• The Namibian government plans to introduce an electrical geyser tax to encourage the use of solar geysers and reduce carbon emissions.

In Namibia, several initiatives and subsidies support the adoption of solar energy, particularly for solar panel production and related projects. Here are some key points based on the provided information:⁷

Investment Costs and Financing:

• The Namibian government estimates the investment costs for renewable energy projects at approximately 2.15 billion USD
• Financing for these projects is often sourced through competitive bidding by Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Larger firms and industrial enterprises typically have access to the capital required for such investments.
• Local financing options are available, with the banking sector in Namibia being well-developed. Institutions like the Development Bank of Namibia, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and the Industrial Development Corporation are involved in financing renewable energy projects, though terms are individually negotiated.

Market Segments and Private Sector Opportunities:

• Embedded Generation: There is a growing market for decentralized renewable energy systems for self-consumption, particularly in industry, commerce, and agriculture. The market segment for self-consumption is developing dynamically due to rising grid power costs, which make these systems economically viable with relatively short payback periods.
• On-premise PV Systems: Common applications include PV systems with capacities ranging from 20 to 1,000 kWp, depending on the consumer sector (agriculture, tourism, commercial, etc.).

Grid-bound Projects:

• The Namibian government plans to award up to 510 MW of renewable energy projects through competitive tenders, including 80 MW of photovoltaics. This is part of a broader effort to expand renewable energy capacity, with projects managed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the “Green People’s Energy for Africa” initiative.

Mini-grids and Rural Electrification:

• There is significant potential for mini-grids to improve electricity access in rural areas, where connecting to the national grid is often impractical. However, the sector lacks regulations and subsidies for stand-alone grids, and economic viability remains a challenge.

Tourism Sector Initiatives:

• A notable example of solar energy application in tourism is the Chobe Water Villas Lodge, which uses a 150 kWp PV system with battery storage to replace diesel generators. This project, financed by O&L Nexentury GmbH and other partners, demonstrates a successful application of solar energy in reducing operational costs and enhancing sustainability.

Overall, while there are substantial opportunities for solar energy projects in Namibia, including for solar panel production, the sector faces challenges related to financing, regulatory frameworks, and economic viability, especially for mini-grids.

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Current Solar Projects

Project Name: O&L Nexentury Solar PV Plant
Location: Just outside of Windhoek, Namibia
Capacity: 100 megawatts
Details: O&L Nexentury, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, is investing over USD 55.9 million in this solar plant. It will connect to one of NamPower’s largest substations and supply electricity to local industrial users and the Southern African Power Pool. Phase I of the project is expected to be operational by mid-2024.

Project Name: Solar Energy Project in Outapi
Location: Outapi, Namibia
Capacity: 9,000 MWh/year
Details: Operational since July 2018, this project is supported by ClimatePartner and contributes to local infrastructure, education, and economic growth. It reduces CO2 emissions by 9,300 tons annually.

Future Solar Projects

Project Name: Schonau Solar Energy PV Project
Location: Karas, Namibia
Capacity: 125 megawatts
Details: The Schonau Solar Energy PV Project is currently in the permitting stage and is expected to be commissioned by December 2024. The project is developed by Emesco Energy Namibia and is owned entirely by Schonau Solar Energy. It will cover 200 hectares and generate 338,714 MWh annually, offsetting 331,973 tons of CO2 per year. The electricity will be sold to the Southern African Power Pool under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.

Project Name: SPS Solar Power Wheeling Project
Location: Maxwell Farm, North Central Namibia
Capacity: 10 megawatts
Details: Developed by Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS), this solar plant will power B2Gold’s Otjikoto gold mine, located 300 kilometers away. The project, the first of its kind under Namibia’s Modified Single Buyer (MSB) framework, is expected to be operational by the end of 2024. It aims to offset 26,360 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Project Name: Namibia’s Largest Solar Power Plant
Location: Namibia (specific location not mentioned)
Capacity: 100 megawatts
Details: The solar power plant will be constructed by NamPower in collaboration with Chinese firms China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co. Ltd and Chint New Energy Development (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd. The project is expected to add 100 MW to Namibia’s existing 500 MW power capacity. It is set to be operational by the second quarter of 2026. Funding will be provided with 80% from the German development bank KfW and 20% from NamPower’s balance sheet.

Project Name: 100 MW Solar Farm
Location: Karas Region
Capacity: 100 megawatts
Details: The project has signed a contract and construction is set to begin. Specific completion date is not mentioned.

Company Name: HOPSOL Africa

Website: https://hopsol.com/

Location: 5 Von Braun Street, Southern Industrial, Windhoek, Namibia

Products and Services:

• EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) services for solar power plants
• IPP (Independent Power Producer) services
• O&M (Operation and Maintenance) services
• Solar diesel hybrid solutions
• Battery storage systems
• Financing for solar power plants
• Solar lease solutions
• Customized energy solutions for homes, farms, businesses, and industries

Company Name: Atlantic Solar Namibia

Website: https://solarnamibia.com/

Location: Erongo Region, Swakopmund, Namibia

Products and Services:

• Solar Batteries
• Solar Panels
• Inverters
• Mounting solutions

Company Name: Quantum Solar Investments

Website: https://www.wikinam.org/html/ctc/cl/solar-energy-and-heating-equipment/264/windhoek-061/quantum-solar-investments/contact.html

Location: Number 78 Nickle Street, Prosperita, Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia

Products and Services:

• Solar Systems: Grid-Tied, Off-Grid, Hybrid
• Solar Water Heaters
• Solar Water Pumps
• Large-Scale Irrigation Systems