New solar panels in East Africa

Are solar panels going up in South Africa?

In the last two years, the imports of solar panels have tripled outside of South Africa. They rose from 3,734 MW in the 12 months to June 2023, to 11,248 MW in the 12 months to June 2025. The increase in imports is more than a single month spike. Monthly imports jumped to a record in December 2024, but have consistently elevated since.

Are solar panels taking off in Africa?

The first evidence of a take-off in solar in Africa is now here: The last 12 months saw a big rise in Africa’s solar panel imports. Imports from China rose 60% in the last 12 months to 15,032 MW. Over the last two years, the imports of solar panels outside of South Africa have nearly tripled from 3,734 MW to 11,248 MW.

How many solar panels are imported outside of South Africa?

Over the last two years, the imports of solar panels outside of South Africa have nearly tripled from 3,734 MW to 11,248 MW. The rise happened across Africa. 20 countries set a new record for the imports of solar panels in the 12 months to June 2025. 25 countries imported at least 100 MW, up from 15 countries 12 months before.

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.