Solar Energy for People and Climate
Why Solar Energy Is Crucial in AFRICA
Every day, more solar energy reaches the earth than humanity could consume in an entire year. This potential is especially enormous in Africa: most countries have very high levels of sunshine, yet millions of people still lack reliable access to electricity. This is exactly where solar energy becomes a crucial key to climate protection, education, health and economic development in Africa.
Solar energy is inexhaustible, climate-friendly and can be used in a decentralised way. It can generate electricity exactly where it is needed: on school roofs, at health centres, in remote villages or for small businesses. Unlike fossil fuels, it requires no long transport routes and no large central power plants. Solar power is generated locally – quickly, sustainably and ready for immediate use.
In times of climate crisis, solar energy is a key solution. Around three quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy system – that is, from electricity, heating, transport and industry – almost entirely caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas. Solar power is emission-free during operation and, over its entire life cycle, causes only a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions of fossil fuels.
At the same time, solar energy is now one of the cheapest forms of electricity production in many countries, thanks in part to the massive drop in costs for solar modules and battery storage.
Doch Solarenergie in Afrika ist mehr als eine technische Lösung. It creates jobs, opens up opportunities for young people and strengthens the economic independence of entire regions. Wer Zugang zu Strom hat, kann lernen, arbeiten, kühlen, kommunizieren und Unternehmen aufbauen.
Facts about solar energy
- Nearly 7% of global electricity came from solar power in 2024.
- The cost of solar modules has fallen by more than 80 % in ten years.
- Solar energy is already the cheapest form of electricity production in more and more countries.
- Africa has the greatest solar energy potential in the world - but today only around 1% of the solar capacity already installed globally is being used there.
Why Africa is at the centre
For many regions of Africa, solar energy is more than an option – it is a necessity. Large areas are not connected to central power grids. Rather than waiting for costly and lengthy grid infrastructure, schools, health centres or small businesses can be supplied directly with solar power.
This makes a real difference in everyday life: light in classrooms extends learning time. Electricity in clinics enables the cooling of medicines and the operation of medical equipment. Small workshops, shops or farms can work more productively and generate income.
Decentralised solar systems are flexible, quick to deploy and independent of unstable or non-existent government power supplies. This is exactly why solar energy is such an effective lever in Africa: it combines climate protection with local development – immediately, visibly and for the long term.
How Solafrica Creates Impact with Solar Energy
Solafrica combines the global strength of solar energy with local commitment. Our projects are about far more than technology: they are about education, health and new opportunities.
- People at the centre: Solar technicians trained by Solafrica – many of them young women – install systems that change lives.
- Lasting impact: Schools, health centres and entire villages gain reliable electricity. Permanently and for the long term.
- Equal Partnerships: In collaboration with local organisations, we focus on education, knowledge exchange and local responsibility.
Our work shows that when solar energy is used effectively in Africa, it has a double impact: it protects the climate and creates real opportunities for people in disadvantaged regions. Read about our projects to see how solar energy is building the future.
Insight into our projects
Kenya
Women in Kenya are learning solar technology and creating new independence for themselves. With their knowledge, they are bringing light into their communities and opening up new opportunities.
Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo
Solar power brings light to rural health centres, which are often the first port of call for women and children in particular. This makes medical help safer – especially for births and emergencies at night.
Ethiopia
Young adults in Ethiopia are building their own future by training in solar technology. They supply schools, health centers and villages with sustainable energy.
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