Specifications of solar panels in China and Africa

Does Africa Import solar panels from China?

This report presents Ember’s analysis of Africa’s imports of solar panels from China. The Chinese solar panel export data gives valuable insights because it includes imports up to June 2025, at a monthly granularity, and for every country in the world. The data can be found in Ember’s China Solar Export Explorer.

Where do Africa's solar panels come from?

The vast majority of Africa’s solar panels come from Chinese imports. That is because China produced 80% of the world’s solar panels in 2024, and is by far the biggest exporter. Africa depends heavily on imports because domestic solar panel manufacturing is still limited.

How many solar panels did Africa Import in 2025?

Africa’s solar panel imports set a new record in the 12 months to June 2025, reaching 15,032 MW — a 60% increase on the 9,379 MW imported in the preceding 12 months. The last time imports surged was in 2023, when South Africa solar imports picked up as the power crisis hit its peak.

Could China's solar panels help meet Africa's energy needs?

From Algeria on the Mediterranean coast to landlocked Zambia in the south, countries across Africa have been importing significantly more solar panels from China this year than in the past, which analysts say could be the start of a massive effort to help meet the continent’s power demands with renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.