Solar panel imports into Africa reached 15 gigawatts by mid-2025, a 60% year-on-year increase signaling rapid clean energy adoption across the continent.
The newly released ESI Africa Solar & Storage Volume 2025 documents the surge in renewable energy infrastructure, with 20 countries setting new records for solar imports and expanding battery storage deployment.
“Africa’s solar surge is now measurable, material, and reshaping the continent’s energy economy,” said Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, editor-in-chief at ESI Africa.
“This Volume captures the pace and depth of change, from groundbreaking technologies to the bold policies and partnerships driving them forward.”
The publication highlights opportunities for energy investors, technology providers and infrastructure partners as the continent transitions to sustainable, decentralised energy systems.
Key developments include advances in bifacial and perovskite solar modules, with next-generation cells achieving efficiencies exceeding 30%.
Energy storage innovation is expanding beyond lithium-ion batteries, with vanadium redox flow and metal-hydrogen batteries emerging as viable alternatives.
The volume examines how recycling and upcycling solar panels and batteries can create economic opportunities from end-of-life management.
Financiers are backing Africa’s largest standalone battery projects, driving grid resilience and investment returns.
The publication also explores regulatory reforms, partnerships and financing models enabling sustainable infrastructure growth across the continent, from rooftop installations to utility-scale projects.
By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief