As of 2024, Seychelles ‘s total installed solar panel power capacity is 17 MW.⁵

Exact projected capacity is not given but;

As of February 20, 2024, the Seychelles aims to generate 15% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.⁴

Not available. But, generally, the cost of generating electricity from fossil fuels includes major cost of fuel prices. In Seychelles Fuel process are as follows:⁶

• Gasoline: $1.49 per liter
• Gas Oil: $1.49 per liter
• Kerosene: $10.42 per 5 liters
• LPG: $1.22 per kg

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The average daily availability of electricity from the national grid in Seychelles is not directly available. However,⁸⁹¹⁰

• There are occasional power outages in Seychelles, often due to maintenance, weather-related issues, or technical problems.
• For instance, there are planned interruptions for maintenance and repairs, as noted in recent reports.
• One can contact the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) in Seychelles for detailed information on the reliability and availability of electricity from the national grid. You can reach them at (+248) 4678000 or via email at customerservices@puc.sc.

Current installation ¹¹

Despite these appealing incentives, the adoption rate of solar PV systems remains relatively low in Seychelles. Out of more than 30,000 households, only 406 homes installed solar PV systems between 2013 and 2021.

Projected installations ¹²

The Ile de Romainville Solar Farm has a capacity to meet the electricity needs of approximately 2,000 homes in future.

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Current Solar Farms: 3

Planned or Upcoming Solar Farms: 4+

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Current Demand:

• Context: Seychelles, with its 115 islands and high solar radiation levels, has significant potential for off-grid solar solutions. The current focus is on installing solar panels for residential, commercial, and agricultural use, particularly in areas not connected to the main electricity grid.
• Capacity & Usage: Off-grid solar panels are used to power residential homes, resorts, commercial properties, agricultural operations, and more. Current installations include powering air conditioning, kitchen equipment, lighting, pool pumps, and agricultural systems like water pumping and irrigation.

Future Demand:

• Growth: As Seychelles continues to focus on sustainable energy solutions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the demand for off-grid solar systems is expected to grow. This growth will be driven by increased interest in ecotourism, the need for reliable off-grid power solutions, and the country’s commitment to climate change targets.
• Projects: The potential for expanding solar energy use includes residential areas, resorts, commercial buildings, and agricultural sectors. Future projects may also incorporate technologies like solar thermal hot water systems, reverse osmosis for desalination, and lithium-ion battery storage for nighttime power.

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Current On-Grid Demand for Solar Panels in Seychelles

• Seychelles’ on-grid solar demand is currently modest but is on a growth trajectory.
• The country relies almost entirely on imported oil for its electricity needs, which has led to a high interest in integrating solar energy into the national grid.
• Presently, the focus is primarily on urban and semi-urban areas, with ongoing initiatives to extend solar coverage to more remote locations.
• As of the latest data, Seychelles has made some progress in incorporating solar PV systems into its grid.
• The current solar capacity is relatively small but is a key component of the country’s efforts to diversify its energy sources.
• Projects like the grid-connected rooftop photovoltaic systems aim to increase this capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• The existing on-grid solar infrastructure is in the early stages of development. While there is notable progress, significant expansion and investment are required to meet future energy demands and enhance the grid’s capacity.

Future On-Grid Demand for Solar Panels in Seychelles

• The future demand for on-grid solar panels in Seychelles is expected to rise significantly. As the country continues to experience growth in energy consumption due to economic development and increasing living standards, the need for renewable energy sources will become more pressing.
• The government’s goals include expanding the use of solar panels and improving grid infrastructure to support this transition.
• The development of a supportive policy framework and the introduction of technological innovations are expected to facilitate this growth.
• Challenges such as investment requirements, grid infrastructure upgrades, and energy storage solutions will need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of solar energy in Seychelles.
• Nevertheless, the country’s high solar radiation levels and commitment to renewable energy offer promising opportunities for substantial growth in on-grid solar capacity.

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Seychelles typically earns approximately $8,100 USD per year. The salary range can vary from about $4,000 USD to $13,500 USD, depending on experience and qualifications.²¹

The current population of Seychelles is 130,924 ²²

Estimate for Factory Rent

Monthly Average Warehouse costs ²⁴²³

Talbot Commercial Building, Victoria, Mont Fleuri:

• Rent: Rs 12,000 per month
• Size: 63 sqm
• Features: 4-meter height, electrical roller shutter, large parking area, close to main road, 5 minutes from the airport

SFA Warehouse, Providence:

• Rent-Free for 6 months: 954 sqm facility provided by Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) to Seychelles Trading Company (STC)
• Duration: July to December 2022, with a two-year contract

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages: ²¹

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Seychelles typically earns approximately $8,100 USD per year. The salary range can vary from about $4,000 USD to $13,500 USD, depending on experience and qualifications.

Commercial electricity Price ⁷

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

Office Rental Cost ²⁵

Below is the lowest and highest rental range with the area and location in Seychelles:

Lowest Rent:

• Location: La Passe Pension House, Seychelles
• Area: 13.82 sqm
• Rent: (~USD 426) /month

Highest Rent:

• Location: Orion Mall, Victoria, Seychelles
• Area: 555 sqm
• Rent: (~USD 10,864) /month

Electricity Generation ²⁶

• Renewable energy in Seychelles is a relatively recent initiative aimed at diversifying the country’s power supply.
• Currently, electricity is primarily generated by diesel-powered generators, which rely on imported fuel (with 69 MW capacity on Mahé and 12 MW on Praslin).
• The national energy policy targets generating 15% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

 Transmission & Distribution ²⁷

• The 33 kV underground transmission network originates at the Roche Caiman Power Station and runs through Providence along the East Coast of Mahé, extending to Turtle Bay.
• From Turtle Bay, it branches out in two directions: one route heads to Anse Boileau via Mont Posée, and the other reaches Anse Boileau via Anse Royale and Quatre Bornes.

 Energy Access ²⁸

• The World Bank reports that Seychelles has a 100% electrification rate, with the current electricity system providing reliable power to the population.
• However, its heavy reliance on oil makes it unsustainable for future economic development.

Energy Exports ²⁹

• Seychelles’ leading exports include Non-fillet Frozen Fish ($281M), Processed Fish ($246M), Refined Petroleum ($138M), and Recreational Boats ($51.2M).

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In Seychelles, solar panel installation and production are governed by clear regulations aimed at promoting renewable energy while ensuring safety and efficiency. The Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC) oversees the application and approval process for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems, which must also be coordinated with the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC).

Energy Act, 2012

• The Energy Act, 2012 governs the overall energy sector in Seychelles, including the production and consumption of renewable energy.
• This act establishes the Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC), which is responsible for regulating energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and energy security. It outlines the licensing requirements for anyone wishing to install solar energy systems, whether for personal or commercial use with guidelines for technical standards and ensures that installations are safe and efficient​.

Seychelles Energy Policy, 2010-2030

The policy includes incentive schemes for solar energy projects and support for private-sector involvement in renewable energy​

Net Metering Regulations

• In line with the Public Utilities Corporation Act, the net metering regulations allow individuals and businesses with solar installations to feed excess electricity back into the national grid.
• This regulation promotes small-scale distributed solar PV installations by allowing customers to benefit from the energy they produce​.

Grid-Connected Solar PV Code of Practice

The SEC has issued a Code of Practice specifically for grid-connected solar PV systems. This document provides technical guidelines for the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar PV systems in Seychelles. It covers:

• Technical standards for PV system components.
• Safety regulations for installation and operation.
• Procedures for grid connection, ensuring compliance with PUC and SEC regulations​

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Seychelles has implemented several initiatives and subsidies to encourage the use of solar energy and reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels.

Solar PV Rebate Scheme (GOS-UNDP-GEF Financial Rebate Scheme for Grid-Connected Rooftop PV Systems)

• Objective: Encourage residential and commercial users to install grid-connected PV systems.
• Rebate for Domestic Users: 25% of the cost with a system size cap of 3 kWp and a maximum rebate of (USD 2.8/Wp).
• Rebate for Commercial Users: 15% of the cost with a system size cap of 15 kWp and a maximum rebate of (USD 3.20/Wp).
• Timeframe: Available temporarily and subject to strict conditions​

Seychelles Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Program (SEEREP) Loan

• Purpose: Assist residential customers in adopting energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy technologies.
• Loan Terms:
  • Up to USD 7300 with a 5% interest rate.
  • 1 to 5-year repayment terms.
  • No bank fees, and the guarantee does not exceed 50% of the loan.

SME Loan for Energy Efficiency

• Objective: Encourage commercial clients to adopt solar PV systems and other renewable energy products.
• Loan Terms:

• Amount up to 210,000 USD with a grace period of 6 months.
• Bank charges are capped at 0.25% of the loan, and personal contributions are no more than 2.5% of the loan​.

35% Financial Rebate for PV Systems (Launched in 2014)

• Rebate: 35% on PV systems up to 3 kWp, available to both domestic and commercial entities.
• Impact: This initiative aims to install 1.3 MW of PV capacity across the Seychelles, reducing diesel consumption and offsetting significant CO2 emissions​

These programs are part of Seychelles’ efforts to meet renewable energy targets and reduce reliance on fossil fuels while making solar energy systems more affordable and accessible.

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Current Solar Projects

Here are some notable current and future solar projects in Seychelles:

1. Providence Lagoon Floating Solar Power Plant

• Capacity: 5.8 megawatts
• Details: This is set to be the world’s largest salt-water floating solar power plant, located in Providence Lagoon near Mahé. The French company Qair is leading the project, which is expected to be completed by late 2023. It will significantly contribute to Seychelles’ goal of achieving 15% renewable energy by 2030 without harming the marine ecosystem.

2. Ile de Romainville Solar PV Project

• Capacity: 5 megawatts
• Details: Developed by Masdar and the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC), this solar farm also includes 3.3 megawatt-hours of battery storage. Commissioned in 2021, it helps reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and is key to Seychelles reaching its renewable energy targets.

3. Grand Anse Mahé Water Management Initiative

• Capacity: Not directly specified; involves the installation of solar-powered water pumps and low-volume irrigation systems.
• Location: Grand Anse Mahé, Seychelles
• Details: This project addresses water scarcity in the agricultural community of Grand Anse Mahé. It includes the procurement and installation of efficient irrigation systems and solar-powered water pumps. The initiative is a collaboration between the Grand Anse Mahé Farmers Association (GAMFA), the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH), and the UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme. It aims to enhance water management, provide training to young farmers, and reduce costs associated with fuel and electricity.
• Commencing Year: The project was highlighted in February 2024.

4. La Digue Solar Energy Project (Future)

• Capacity: Approximately 1 megawatt
• Details: Planned as part of Seychelles’ efforts to spread solar power across its islands, this project aims to power La Digue Island with renewable energy. It is in the development stages and will help reduce the island’s dependence on diesel-generated electricity.

5. Romainville Island Solar Farm (Phase 2)

• Capacity: Expansion expected to exceed 5 megawatts
• Details: Following the success of the initial solar project, a second phase is planned to further increase the capacity. This will include additional battery storage and grid infrastructure upgrades to support more renewable energy.

6.Project Name: Seychelles PV Solar

• Capacity: 4 MW
• Location: Lagoon at Providence, Seychelles
• Details: This is Africa’s first utility-scale floating photovoltaic (FPV) plant in a marine environment. It addresses land constraints and aims to provide clean, renewable energy by using the lagoon’s space rather than land. The project is a significant step towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing energy sustainability.
• Commencing Year: The project is in the tender process and will be developed by Quandran International following the issuance of a Conditional Award. The exact commencement year is not specified but is part of ongoing developments.

Company Name: Energy Solutions Seychelles

Website: https://energysolutionsseychelles.sc/

Location: Room 201, Highway Complex, Providence, Mahe, Seychelles

Products and Services:

• Solar Energy PV Systems
• Solar Energy Off-Grid Systems (with battery storage or hybrid systems)
• Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems
• Solar PV Services (maintenance and monitoring)
• Energy Optimisation (voltage optimisation and power factor correction)
• Solar PV Boat Kits (for yachts and boats)
• Solar Energy Farms (large-scale solar PV farms)
• Electric Vehicle Chargers
• Solar Energy Financing Options (including a rebate scheme)

Company Name: Sun Tech Seychelles

Website: http://sts.sc/pv-in-seychelles.html

Location: Riverside Mont Fleuri, Seychelles (specific address not provided)

Products and Services:

• PV Grid-Tied Technology: Design, supply, and installation
• Site Assessments and Surveys: For PV and other renewable energy technologies
• Energy Consultancy and Planning: For residential and commercial establishments
• System Monitoring and Maintenance: Includes PV panels and solar inverters
• Custom Design: Free-standing PV frames for installations