Powering Africa through shared solar energy

Abstract

Africa's future is bright. Amid complex issues surrounding poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and energy deficiency, to name a few, the continent is also brimming with eager entrepreneurs and investors looking to take financial advantage of untapped sectors or under-fulfilled development needs. One such opportunity lies within shared solar energy. Solar energy has already proven itself to be a viable solution for meeting the electrification requirements of remote off-grid communities, as well as for connected consumers experiencing intermittent power supply. Communities throughout Sub-Saharan Africa have already benefitted from personal home and business solar installations, to solar powered devices employing rechargeable batteries and exploiting the over 3000 hours of sunshine available in some countries annually. Further, shared solar offers the added benefit of greater access and affordability to solar power for those who otherwise may not be eligible to harness it, either due to cost or the improper positioning of rooftops. Shared solar allows individuals (known as subscribers) to own affordable interests in an off-site photovoltaic system that either feeds into the common grid, or acting as a micro-grid, directly supplies their homes and businesses. This paper explores examples of shared solar energy from the United States, as well as examples of various solar power deployments from some African countries, to make a case for the viability of shared solar as a solution to alleviate the energy privation that challenges Africa's industrialization. This paper also discusses the gaps in current legislation for many Sub-Saharan countries, using the example of Ghana, and presents the further steps required to close gaps in the legal framework and promote shared solar systems. Contractual considerations for a shared solar scheme are addressed to enhance readers' understanding regarding the complexity of legal mechanisms needed to support this renewables solution. Finally, readers are urged that political will and advocacy by proponents is required for shared solar to become a reality. As Africa's best option to meeting gaping power needs in the short to long term, the discussion on shared solar will only augment in the near future. Hopefully, there will also be matching action.