As of 2024, Niger’s total solar power installed capacity is 80 MW,⁵

Exact capacity is not given but;

• The new PDES sets a target of achieving 15% solar energy in the power mix by 2026.⁶

Oil and diesel ³

• In 2022, oil and diesel were the largest electricity-generating technologies in Niger, accounting for 66.94% of electricity production.
• Hence, the average electricity price in Niger is observed 178.62 USD/MWh in 2022.

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• The electricity infrastructure in Niger faces frequent interruptions, but specific data on daily availability in hours is not clearly reported. In 2016, NIGELEC experienced 564 power outages resulting in 365 hours of service disruption over the year.
• This suggests that the national grid’s availability is significantly affected by these outages, reducing the average daily availability of electricity across the country.

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Current installation

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

Projected installations

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

• As part of its green economy blueprint, Niger State plans to transition 800,000 homes to off-grid solar power solutions.

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Number of Solar Power Plants: 15

Operational: 12 (as of July 2023)

Total Number of Projected Solar Farms: Exact number is not available but;

Scaling Solar Projects

• Niger is part of the World Bank’s „Scaling Solar“ initiative, which aims to accelerate the development of solar power in Africa.
• This project supports the establishment of large-scale solar farms by offering technical assistance and financial guarantees, including the growing interest in Niger Solar projects.

Agadez Solar Project

• One of Niger’s largest upcoming projects is a 20 MW solar farm near Agadez, in collaboration with the European Union and the African Development Bank.
• The project will help supply energy to remote areas and reduce Niger’s dependency on fossil fuels.

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Current Off-Grid Demand for Solar Panels in Niger:

Niger’s current off-grid demand for solar panels is high due to the low electrification rate, particularly in rural areas. The off-grid sector plays a significant role in meeting the energy needs of the population, with many people relying on small solar home systems (SHSs), pico-solar products, and mini-grids for electricity. A substantial portion of the off-grid solar market is supported by donor programs and imported equipment.

• Current Usage: Most rural households still rely on dry-cell battery torches for lighting (84% of rural households) and firewood for cooking (82% of all households). The penetration of solar energy in households remains low, with less than 0.1 MW of residential solar capacity installed by 2014. Despite the low installed capacity, imports of solar PV modules between 2013 and 2016 were recorded at around $6 million, indicating a larger off-grid solar demand.
• Off-Grid Solar Market Size: A 2017 market assessment by Open Capital Advisors estimated the potential off-grid solar market to be $204 million. The largest demand segments include private households ($56.5 million) and water provision via solar-powered water pumps ($96.6 million). However, these estimates hinge on the availability of consumer financing and reliable water sources for solar pumps.

Future Off-Grid Demand for Solar Panels in Niger:

The future off-grid demand for solar panels is expected to grow significantly as Niger focuses on expanding rural electrification through off-grid solutions. The Niger Solar Access Project (NESAP) is the government’s primary initiative to enhance off-grid electrification and consists of several components that focus on market development and scaling up solar solutions.

• Future Focus Areas: NESAP has a budget of $7 million for developing stand-alone solar systems, $10 million for rural electrification through solar hybrid mini-grids, and an additional $7.89 million for technical assistance and implementation support. This strong focus on off-grid solar solutions is designed to increase electricity access in remote areas and reduce dependence on traditional biomass for energy.
• Priority Areas for Expansion: The future off-grid demand will likely be driven by sectors such as small-scale irrigation, water provision (with a focus on solar water pumps), crop processing, and public infrastructure (schools, health centers, and streetlights). The mini-grid sector is also expected to grow, particularly in remote and underserved areas, with strong support from international development partners.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The growth of off-grid solar demand will depend on factors such as financing availability, regulatory clarity, and the capacity to support private-sector involvement. Training and capacity building in rural areas are key to ensuring that off-grid solar systems can be installed and maintained properly.

Niger’s off-grid solar demand is already significant due to its low electrification rate, and future demand is expected to rise as the country implements targeted programs to promote off-grid solar energy, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

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Current On-Grid Demand for Solar Panels in Niger:

• Niger’s current on-grid solar demand is primarily focused on a limited scope, as the grid extension has not reached many rural areas, which rely on off-grid solutions.
• The available on-grid solar infrastructure is small, with most of the grid-connected solar capacity being utilized in isolated thermal mini-grids and telecommunications.
• As of 2014, it was estimated that Niger had a PV installed capacity of nearly 6 MW, although this mostly comprised of installations for telecommunications towers (2.8 MW) and solar water pumps (0.9 MW), with only a minimal residential PV capacity (less than 0.1 MW).
• This figure indicates that on-grid solar demand remains underdeveloped and in its early stages.

Future On-Grid Demand for Solar Panels in Niger:

• Niger’s on-grid solar demand is expected to grow substantially due to its commitment to expanding the electricity grid and integrating more renewable energy sources.
• The Niger National Electrification Strategy (NES) outlines key strategies for grid extension, mini-grid development, and stand-alone solar systems (SHSs).
• One of the main components of the Niger Solar Access Project (NESAP) includes solar PV hybridization of isolated thermal mini-grids, with an allocated budget of $25 million for expanding access.
• Additionally, the future demand for on-grid solar panels will likely be driven by partnerships with organizations like Power Africa and NIGELEC to enhance grid resilience and fill gaps in remote areas.
• Municipal development plans also focus on mainstreaming off-grid electrification, which could further boost demand for solar technologies within the grid framework.

Thus, the future on-grid solar demand in Niger will significantly increase as the country aligns its development goals with clean energy initiatives, aiming to transition from diesel-powered generators to renewable solar technologies across various sectors.

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• A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Niger typically earns around $3,450 USD per year.
• Salaries can range from an average low of approximately $1,860 USD to a high of about $5,200 USD, depending on experience and qualifications

Niger 2024 population is estimated at 27,032,412 people¹³

Estimate for Factory Rent

Monthly Average Warehouse and Office Rental Cost ¹⁴

The data does not provide explicit rent details for a warehouse. However, here is what is available:

• Building Location: Plateau, Niamey, Niger
• Property Type: House (could be suitable for business activities)
• Available From: April 16, 2021
• Negotiable Price: Yes
• Details:

1. 1. Ground floor: 4 offices
   2. First floor (R+1): 5 offices
   3. Second floor (R+2): 50 m² conference room and an office

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages: ¹²

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Niger typically earns around $3,450 USD per year. Salaries can range from an average low of approximately $1,860 USD to a high of about $5,200 USD, depending on experience and qualifications

Electricity Generation ¹⁵

• Largest Source of Electricity Generation (2021): Oil
• Electricity Generation Sources (2021): Coal, Oil, Natural gas and solar
• Total Electricity Production in Niger (2021): 722 GWh (Global ranking: 32nd in Africa)

 Transmission & Distribution ⁴

• Electricity grid infrastructure is concentrated in the most populous regions, particularly along the southern border with Nigeria.
• The grid is divided into six zones, which currently operate as isolated „islands“ with little or no transmission infrastructure to connect them, making it difficult to manage increasing demand, especially in urban areas.
• The City of Gaya (southwestern Niger) is supplied by:
  • 33-kV distribution line.
  • 7-MW power contract from Kamba, Nigeria.

 Energy Access ¹⁶

• Access to electricity in Niger has more than doubled since 2000, but remains limited to approximately 16% of the population.
• There is a significant rural-urban divide, with urban areas having an access rate of over 60%, while rural regions remain largely unelectrified. This stark contrast highlights the challenges in extending energy access to rural communities.

Energy Exports ¹⁷

In 2024, Niger successfully commenced its first oil exports via the 1,950 km Niger-Benin oil export pipeline.

There are no current regulations for solar industry in the country but following information about regulatory authorities is given:⁴

 Regulatory Authorities:

• Agence Nigérienne pour la Promotion de l’Electrification Rurale (ANPER):

• • Role: Responsible for promoting and implementing rural electrification projects, including solar energy solutions.
  • Functions: ANPER manages and oversees the implementation of solar energy projects in rural areas, ensuring compliance with national regulations and standards.

• Direction Générale des Opérations Financières et des Réformes (DGOFR):

• • Role: Oversees financial operations related to energy projects.
  • Functions: Provides financial oversight and ensures that projects adhere to financial regulations and receive the necessary funding.

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Niger has several subsidies and initiatives aimed at promoting solar energy and improving access to electricity. Here are the key programs and funding sources:

1. Desert to Power Initiative (RANAA Project)

• Overview: Part of the Desert to Power Initiative, this project is focused on developing solar power plants and improving electricity access.
• Funding: $99.9 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
• Objectives:
  • Increase solar-based electricity generation capacity.
  • Improve household access to electricity via grid and off-grid systems.
  • Reduce the carbon footprint of electricity production.
  • Create jobs.
• Implementation: The project spans from January 2023 to December 2027 and will cover all eight regions of Niger, including urban centers and rural localities.

2. Niger Solar Plant Development and Electricity Access Improvement Project (RANAA)

• Overview: A collaborative project involving the OPEC Fund for International Development, AfDB, Power Africa, the Green Climate Fund, and the Government of Niger.
• Funding: $167 million total, including $25 million from the OPEC Fund.
• Objectives:
  • Construct three solar plants in Maradi, Dosso, and Diffa regions with a total capacity of 40 MW.
  • Extend 2,600 km of new transmission lines.
  • Benefit over 750,000 people by increasing access to clean energy.
• Specific Contribution: The OPEC Fund’s loan will specifically support the 10 MW Dosso solar plant and its integration into the grid.

3. Solar Cookers Initiative

• Overview: An initiative within the RANAA project to deploy solar cookers, a locally developed clean cooking technology.
• Objectives:
  • Support the country’s energy transition.
  • Provide clean cooking solutions as part of broader energy access improvements.
• These initiatives aim to significantly boost Niger’s renewable energy capacity, improve energy access for both urban and rural areas, and support the country’s overall energy transition strategy.

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Current Solar Projects:

Project Name: 30 MW Solar Power Plant

Location: Gorou Banda, approximately 10 kilometers from the capital, Niamey, Niger

Capacity: 30 megawatts

Details:

• The solar plant was built by a French consortium comprising Akuo and Sagecom, with co-financing from the European Union, the French Development Bank, and the Niger government.
• Initially planned for 50 MW, the project secured €30 million in funding and is set to produce 53 GWh in its first year.
• The installation includes 55,608 polycrystalline modules mounted on fixed structures and will be integrated into the Nigelec network.

Future Solar Projects:

Project Name: Photovoltaic Solar Power Plants by Savannah Energy

Location: Near the southern cities of Maradi and Zinder, Niger

Capacity: Up to 200 megawatts

Details:

• Savannah Energy has signed an agreement with the government of Niger to develop two photovoltaic solar power plants.
• These plants are expected to begin power generation between 2025 and 2026, with a connection to Niger’s electricity grid and plans to serve the grid zone for the capital, Niamey, by 2026.

Company Name: Solar Niger

Website: https://www.f6s.com/company/solarniger#about

Location: Niamey, Niger

Products and Services:

• Photovoltaic solar panels
• Solar accessories
• Building solar installations
• Maintenance services

Company Name: SOL! Niger

Website: https://sol-niger.com/

Location: Yantala, Avenue du Kawar, Street: YN.133 CN-1, Door: 172, Behind the Yantala Maternity, Niger

Products and Services:

• Solar panels (designed to withstand Niger’s environmental conditions)
• Solar kits (ENGIE solar kits for homes, businesses, and institutions)
• Accessories (powerful battery, 2-in-1 flashlight, USB MP3 radio, mobicharger, quality LEDs, fan)
• Installation and maintenance services
• Tailored solar solutions (for villas, companies, hospitals, and more)
• Technical training and local expertise