Rwanda Solar PV Panels

Currently, Rwanda's total on-grid installed solar energy is 12.050 MW originating from 3 solar power plants namely Jali power plant generating 0.25MW, Rwamagana Gigawatt generating 8.5 MW, and the Nasho Solar plant generating 3.3 MW.

Rwanda's Solar Photo-voltaic (PV) is located in East Africa at approximately two degrees below the equator*. It is generally characterized by Savannah climate and its geographical location endows it with sufficient solar radiation intensity approximately equal to 5kWh/m2/day and peak sun hours of approximately 5 hours per day.

Only few companies in Rwanda are active in the field of solar energy. They focus mainly on the market for larger systems for public institutions, e.g. hospitals, schools etc through public tenders. In addition they and others are also trying to sell solar home systems but the market for solar lanterns and small home systems is still in its infancy.

Approximately 50,000 solar home systems have been installed in Rwanda over the last 3 years.

Rwanda has a moderate source of solar energy, with an average solar radiation of 4 – 6 kWh per square meter per day. It has had a useful experience with the 250 kW Kigali solar project and solar water heaters. However, Rwanda's energy mix is currently dominated by biomass, which accounts for about 85% of primary energy use.

Rwanda's PV market is still nascent and primarily dominated by the institutional market driven by the needs of rural health and education service providers. Much of the installations have been fully grant financed by donors with limited government coordination at the national level.