Solomon Islands Solar Report

Gain comprehensive insights into the statistics and metrics surrounding the solar production industry in Solomon Islands

  1. Climatestotravel, (nd), Cliamte in the Solomon Islands, Retrieved on 14 January 2025 from https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/solomon-islands .
  2. Solargis, (2021), Solar resource maps of Solomon Islands, Retrieved on 14 January 2025 from https://solargis.com/resources/free-maps-and-gis-data?locality=solomon-islands , .
  3. SolomonPower, (January 2025). NEW CHARGES FOR SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY EFFECTIVE 1 JANUARY 2025, Retrieved on 12 January 2025 from https://solomonpower.com.sb/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/January-Charges.pdf.
  4. Ourworldindata, (2024), Solomon Islands: Energy Country Profile, Retrieved on 14 January 2025 from https://ourworldindata.org/energy/country/solomon-islands.
  5. SolomonPower, (2024), Solomon Power Annual Report 2023, Retrieved on 18 January 2025 https://solomonpower.com.sb/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Solomon-Power_ANNUAL-REPORT_2023.pdf.
  6. IRENA, (July 2024), RENEWABLE ENERGY STATISTICS 2024, Retrieved on 13 January 2025 from https://www.irena.org/Publications/2024/Jul/Renewable-energy-statistics-2024.
  7. IRENA, (February 2024), RENEWABLES READINESS ASSESSMENT Solomon Islands, Retrieved on 14 January 2025 from  https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2024/Feb/IRENA_RRA_Solomon_Islands_2024.pdf.
  8. Solomonsgovernment, (July 2022), SOLOMON ISLANDS RENEWABLE ENERGY ROADMAP LAUNCHED, Retrieved on 14 January 2025 from https://solomons.gov.sb/solomon-islands-renewable-energy-roadmap-launched.
  9. SBM, (August 2024),Solomon Power confirms load-shedding has ended, Retrieved on 18 January 2025 from https://sbm.sb/solomon-power-confirms-load-shedding-has-ended/.
  10. Asian Development Bank, (November 2016), ADB Approves $15.2 Million Solar Project for Solomon Islands, Retrieved on 17 January 2025 from https://www.adb.org/news/adb-approves-152-million-solar-project-solomon-islands.
  11. PVTECH, (September 2024), Solomon Islands secures finance for new solar PV projects from investors, Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from https://www.pv-tech.org/solomon-islands-secures-finance-for-new-solar-pv-projects-from-investors/.
  12. WorldSalaries, (January 2025), Average Solar Energy Systems Engineer Salary in Solomon Islands for 2025, Retrieved on 15 January 2025 from https://worldsalaries.com/average-solar-energy-systems-engineer-salary-in-solomon-islands/.
  13. WorldSalaries, (January 2025), Average Solar Photovoltaic Installer Salary in Solomon Islands for 2025, Retrieved on 15 January 2025 from https://worldsalaries.com/average-solar-photovoltaic-installer-salary-in-solomon-islands/.
  14. Worldometers, (January 2025), Solomon Islands Population, Retrieved on 11 January 2025 from https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/solomon-islands-population/.
  15. UnitedNation, (nd), The Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, Retrieved on 11 January 2025 from  https://www.un.int/solomonislands/solomonislands/country-facts.
  16. Solomonstarnews, (December 2024), Rise in water rates next year, Retrieved on 16 January 2025 from https://www.solomonstarnews.com/hike-in-water-charges-next-year/.
  17. SolomonPower, (nd), About Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (trading as Solomon Power, Retrieved on 14 January 2025 from https://solomonpower.com.sb/about-us/overview.
  18. SolomonPower, (nd), SOLOMON POWER PROJECTS AND CAPITAL EXPANSION PROGRAMME (2015-2019), Retrieved on 16 January 2025 from https://solomonpower.com.sb/projects/projects/.
  19. SundayIsles, (August 2023), Update On Current Honiara Power Situation, Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from https://sundayisles.islesmedia.net/update-on-current-honiara-power-situation/.
  20. SolomonPower, (nd), Gizo Power Station, Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from  https://solomonpower.com.sb/project/gizo-power-station-development/.
  21. IREN  A, (February 2024), Solomon Islands Drives Action with Plans to Increase Renewables Use, Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2024/Feb/Solomon-Islands-Drives-Action-with-Plans-to-Increase-Renewables-Use.
  22. MMERE, (June 2019), Standards & Compliance, Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from https://www.mmere.gov.sb/index.php/energy/standards-compliance.html.
  23. Island.IRENA, (2019), Solomon Island National Energy Policy, Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from https://islands.irena.org/-/media/Sids/Files/Publications/SINEP.pdf.
  24. EWSdata, (2016), ADB-48346-002 Solar Power Develop, Retrieved on 19 January  2025 from  https://ewsdata.rightsindevelopment.org/temp/tmpjX5Hkn/ADB-48346-002.pdf.
  25. WorldBank, (July 2018), Renewable Energy for Nearly 10,000 Solomon Islanders, Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from  https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2018/07/05/renewable-energy-for-nearly-10000-solomon-islanders.
  26. PRDRSE4ALL, (nd), National Energy Policy Framework, Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from https://prdrse4all.spc.int/system/files/national_energy_policy_framework.pdf.
  27. ADB, (October 2023), Solomon Islands: Renewable Energy Development Project, Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/57006/57006-001-iee-en.pdf.
  28. SolomonPower, (November 2016), Solomon Islands: Solar Power Development Project,  Retrieved on 19 January 2025 from https://solomonpower.com.sb/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/5-Project-Admin-Manual.pdf.

Key points

  • All figures have been converted into USD

Yearly sunshine (sun hours per year)

Sunshine Duration:

The Solomon Islands are hot and humid year-round having a tropical climate with two seasons wet and dry. The islands receive a fair amount of sunshine each year. Its capital Honiara receives 2300 hours of sunshine annually. 29

Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI):  For the Solomon Islands the Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI) has an average annual value of 1168.29 kWh/m², indicating fair potential for concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. 30

Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI): For the Solomon Islands, The Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI), has an average annual value of 1600 kWh/m², highlighting the suitability of the region for photovoltaic (PV) installations. 30

Read more

kWh per kWp installed

The Solomon Islands’ Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT) has an average annual value of 1277 kWh/kWp, reflecting the fairly good energy output expected from PV systems in the region. 30

Read more

 

Average cost per kWh from utility company

The average cost of electricity for both Prepaid and Postpaid customers is 0.74 USD/kWh for Domestic users  0.68 USD/kWh for Commercial users, and 0.67 USD /kWh for Industrial users.3

Read more

 

Reliability of electrical power supply grid

Due to geographic, economic and systemic barriers, the reliability of the electrical power supply grid in the Solomon Islands has been poor for many years.

The Solomon Islands has provided electricity to 76.35 % of its population until 2021.4

SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index): SAIDI indicates that on average, each customer experiences about 2044.45  minutes of power outages annually in 2022.5

SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index): SAIFI indicates that Each Customer faced approximately 17.21 power interruptions per year in 2022.5

Read more

 

Detailed Information

  • All figures have been converted into USD

    • Total solar panel production capacity (installed)

    The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that the total installed solar capacity in the Solomon Islands was 4.489 in the year 2023 out of which 3.079 MW was off-grid solar installation and 1.41 MW was On Grid solar installation.6

    Total solar panel production capacity (projected)

    As of February 2024, the Solomon Islands had a projected total solar panel production capacity of 20.22 megawatts (MW). 7

    Average costs of various electricity generation sources (coal, natural gas, solar, etc)

    This data is not publicly available.

    Percentages of various electricity generation sources (coal, natural gas, solar, etc)

    The Solomon Islands’ electricity generation relies heavily on oil, which constitutes 91% of the total mix (95.96 GWh). While efforts are underway to increase renewable energy sources, they currently play a minor role. Solar photovoltaic contributes 5% (5.541 GWh), solid biofuels provide 3% (3.333 GWh), and hydropower accounts for just 1% (0.891 GWh) of the total 105.725 GWh generated. This heavy dependence on fossil fuels poses challenges for the nation’s energy security and sustainability goals.6

    Technology Electricity Generation (GWh) Percentage
    Oil 95.96 91%
    Solar photovoltaic 5.541 5%
    Solid biofuels 3.333 3%
    Renewable hydropower 0.891 1%
    Total 105.725 100%

    Projected Renewable Energy:

    The Solomon Islands’ renewable energy target is to convert its electricity grid in Honiara to 100% renewable energy by 2030. The country also aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.8

    Average daily availability of electricity from the national grid (measured in hours)

    In Solomon Island, Power outages are very frequent and can last from a few hours to weeks in some rare cases.

    The Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI) indicates that load shedding duration in the year 2022 decreased to  122.61 minutes per interruption. The same index was quite high 156.68 minutes in the year 2021.5

    In August 2024, there were reports of no electricity for two weeks straight due to a fault in a transformer.9

    Number of residential solar panel installations

    IRENA estimated that 7,924 households were using rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as their main source of electricity, and around 1,754 freezers and refrigerators were operating in rural communities in 2011.7

    Total number of solar farms (installed and projected)

    Installed: It is estimated that 8 solar farms were operating in the Solomon Islands until December 2023.105

    Projected: It is estimated that 5 small scale grid-connected solar farms are under construction in regions of  Baolo, Bina, Dala, Tingoa, and Visale and 4 hybrid solar farms are being built in the regions of Hauhui, Namuga, Sasamunga, and Vonunu.5

    The Asian Development Bank is planning to construct 2 solar farms in the Solomon  Islands. 11

    Off-grid market demand for solar panels (current and projected)

    Current: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that the off-grid solar capacity installed in 2023 was 3.079 MW.6

    Projected: Linear Regression model predicted that at the current rate, Off-Grid solar capacity will be 3.66 MW in 2030.

    On-grid market demand for solar panels (current and projected)

    Current: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that the On-grid solar capacity installed in 2023 was 1.41 MW. 6


    Projected: Linear Regression model predicted that at the current rate, On-Grid solar capacity will be 2.2 MW in 2030.

    Average monthly income of workers in solar industry (labor cost)

    • The average monthly salary of a solar energy system engineer working in the Solomon Islands is 640 USD.12
    • The average monthly salary of a photovoltaic installer in the Solomon Islands is 340 USD.13

    Population of the country

    On Saturday, January 11 2025, the population of the Solomon Islands was 829,414.  Its population density is 30 people per km2 and its total land area is 27,990 km2.14

    The Solomon Islands consists of 6 major islands and approximately 992 smaller islands, atolls, and reefs, of which 147 are inhabited. 15

    13 percent of the population lives in its capital Honiara and 87% of its population lives in rural areas and outer islands. 7

    Average overhead costs of solar panel production (with a brief breakdown)

    Industrial Electricity Rates: The cost of electricity for industrial users is 0.67 USD /kWh. 3

    Water Costs: The price of water is 1.23 USD /1000 litres for domestic customers and 4.81 USD / 1000 litres for commercial customers for the first 15000 litres. 16

    Key Components of Administrative Costs

    Salaries and Wages:

    • The average monthly salary of a solar energy system engineer working in the Solomon Islands is 640 USD.12
    • The average monthly salary of a photovoltaic installer in the Solomon Islands is 340 USD.13

    A summary of the energy infrastructure

    6

    • Total installed electricity generation capacity: 56.74 MW in 2022.
    • Total generation: 105.7 GWh in 2022.
    • Per capita Electricity Generation: 138 kWh. 4
    • Generation mix: The Solomon Islands’ electricity sector is heavily reliant on oil, making up 91% of its installed capacity (51.736 MW). Renewable sources provide only a small fraction of the total capacity, with solar photovoltaic at 7% (4.129 MW), and both solid biofuels and hydropower at 1% (0.5 MW and 0.339 MW respectively). This heavy dependence on oil presents challenges for the nation’s energy security and sustainability goals.
    Technology Electricity Installed Capacity (MW) Percentage
    Oil 51.736 91%
    Solar photovoltaic 4.129 7%
    Solid biofuels 0.5 1%
    Renewable hydropower 0.339 1%
    Total 56.704 100%

    Leading players:

    The main electricity provider in the Solomon Islands is Solomon Power (SP), which is a state-owned enterprise. SP is a part of the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA). 17

    Major power plants

    Thermal Power Plants: 91% of the electricity is generated by thermal power plants in the Solomon Islands.

    Lungga Power Station 18

    • Capacity: 27 MW.
    • Location: Lungga, Guadalcanal
    • Fuel Type: Diesel
    • Main power station supplying electricity to Honiara and surrounding areas.

    Honiara Power Station 19

    • Capacity: 10 MW.
    • Location: Honiara
    • Fuel Type: Diesel

    Gizo Power Station 20

    • Capacity: Supply and installation of 2x500kW Diesel Power Generators and 1x415VAC switchboard
    • Fuel Type: Diesel

    Other Renewable Energy sources

    The Solomon Islands has a significant potential for hydropower, with 130 identified sites and a total potential of 326 megawatts (MW).521

    Hydropower:

    Fiu River Hydro Project

    • Location: Malaita Province
    • Capacity: 750 kW Hydropower plant
    • Key Details: This project is being progressed through various stages

    Buala Hydro Plant

    • Location: Buala
    • Capacity: Hydro plant with a 150 kW mini-hydro plant
    • Key Details: Major service and installation of a new Hydraulic Pack Unit was 90% completed by the end of 2023.

    Tina River Hydro Project

    • Location: Guadalcanal Province
    • Capacity: 15 MW Hydropower plant
    • Key Details: This project is under development with an anticipated revised Commercial Operational Date (PCOD) in 2028.

    Some of the government regulations surrounding solar panel production

    International Standards 2223

    The Solomon Islands follows several international standards for solar panel production and installation:

    • Pacific Appliances Labelling and Standards (PALS): All electrical appliances, including solar panels, must comply with these standards.
    • IEC Standards: The country adheres to various IEC standards for photovoltaic modules.
    • Australian Standards: Some installations may follow Australian standards, such as AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3008.1.1 for electrical installation.

    Certification and Standards 24

    Solar panels in the Solomon Islands must adhere to several international standards and certifications:

    • IEC 61215 and IEC 61730: These are core standards for solar panel performance, durability, and safety.
    • UL 1703: This standard is specific to flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels, covering safety requirements.
    • IEC 61701: This certification is crucial for Solomon Islands due to its coastal environment. It tests solar panels for salt mist corrosion resistance.
    • IEC 62716: This standard assesses a panel’s resistance to ammonia corrosion, which is relevant in agricultural settings.

    Government initiatives in solar panel production (includes investments and subsidies)

    The Solomon Islands solar energy market is growing with the help of the Solomon government and international organizations like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other partners.

    Funding projects: The government has provided funding for projects that increase solar energy generation and access to electricity. 11

    Installing solar panels: The government has installed solar panels in rural areas, schools, and other community infrastructure. 25

    Training operators: The government has trained operators on how to manage solar-diesel hybrid systems. 26

    Notable solar projects in the country (installed and projected)

    Installed Solar Projects:

    UAE/NZ Funded 1 MW Solar Farm  18

    • Capacity: 1MW
    • Location: Located at Fighter 1, Henderson
    • Commission Date: Commissioned on May 10, 2016

    Hybrid Solar Installations: There are currently two solar hybrid systems. One is a 224 kW solar farm in Taro, Choiseul, and the other is a 168 kW solar farm in Seghe, Marovo.27

    Ranadi Solar Plant

    • Location: Ranadi, Honiara
    • Capacity: 50 kW solar grid
    • Key Details: This solar grid is located at the Ranadi Headquarters and was funded by JICA

    Other small-scale solar power plants operating in the Solomon Islands are as follows: [24, 27, 2828]

    • Kirakira: A solar plant with 320 kilowatts (kW) of installed capacity
    • Lata: A solar plant with 290 kW of installed capacity
    • Malu’u: A solar plant with 140 kW of installed capacity
    • Munda: A solar plant with 1,000 kW of installed capacity
    • Tulagi: A solar plant with 250 KW capacity that was commissioned in September 2023

    Projected Solar Projects: 5

    • Ambu Solar Hybrid: A 1.5 MWp solar PV ground-mounted array is planned for installation on 4 hectares of land owned by Solomon Power near the town of Auki, in Malaita Province. This will be a solar hybrid system with a 1 MW / 4.0 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).27
    • Solar Schools Pilot Program: This will install 15 kW of rooftop solar PV panels and a 26 kW BESS at two schools, one in Guadalcanal and one in Malaita.27
    • Funding for two Solar PV farms: Solomon Island have secured funding of around 15 million USD from the Asian Development Bank and Saudi Fund for the development to build two solar PV farms of unknown capacity Guadalcanal and Malaita, and a new utility-scale grid-connected energy storage system in Honiara. 11

    Some of the notable solar companies (plus brief details on what they do)

    Solomon Power: The national electricity authority that supports the installation of small-scale grid-connected micro-embedded generators, including solar photovoltaic systems. They provide guidelines and technical support for solar grid connections.
    Website: https://solomonpower.com.sb/solar-installation/

    Superfly Limited: A quality-focused solar energy company in the Solomon Islands. They design solar systems specifically for the country’s hot temperatures and remote, rural conditions. Superfly uses premium components and provides comprehensive user training to ensure system longevity.
    Website: https://www.superflysolomons.com/

    Sunergise: A pioneering solar company dedicated to providing clean and affordable energy solutions in the Pacific Islands, including the Solomon Islands. They offer custom design, financing, installation, and monitoring services for solar PV systems.
    Website:  https://sunergise.nz/about-us/

    Namkoo Solar: While not exclusively based in the Solomon Islands, they have designed and implemented off-grid solar power systems for customers in the country, such as a 100kW system for a lumber mill.
    Website: https://www.namkoosolar.com/projects/australia/off-grid-solar-power-system.html

    Masdar: An international renewable energy company that has completed a 1-megawatt solar PV plant in the Solomon Islands, which was expanded from 600kW following a grant from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
    Website: https://masdar.ae/en/renewables/our-projects/solomon-islands-solar-pv-plant

More about Solomon Islands Solar Business

Solar News Related to Solomon Islands

$10 Million Renewable Energy Loan Secured for Solomon Islands' Success

$10 Million Renewable Energy Loan Secured for Solomon Islands’ Success

June 22, 2025

Read More
$10 Million Renewable Energy Loan: Transforming Solomon Islands' Future

$10 Million Renewable Energy Loan: Transforming Solomon Islands’ Future

June 8, 2025

Read More
$10 Million Renewable Energy Loan to Transform Solomon Islands' Future

$10 Million Renewable Energy Loan to Transform Solomon Islands’ Future

May 25, 2025

Read More
See More

Our Services

Business Plan E-Course 

Learn more about our free e-Course here

Full Scale Solar Production Service

Learn more about our full scale production service here

Consulting Service

Learn more about our free consulting service here

Turnkey Service

Learn more about our free turnkey service here

Are you interested in starting your own solar module production line?

We can help you start your own solar module production company. With our 100% turnkey service, we will deliver the needed machines, do a technology transfer, provide expert and excellent support, and help you with the know-how needed to start even if you don't have any previous experience in this industry.

Start Your Own Solar Panel Production Line Today!

Find your perfect solution
>