Sierra Leona currently has approximately 20 MW of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity.⁵

The country plans to have 95 MW of grid connected solar energy in Sierra Leone by 2030.⁶

• Hydro power: 0.10- 0.12 $/kWh⁷⁸
• Solar power: 0.07 $/kWh
• Thermal power: 0.44 $/kWh

• Hydropower: 90% of total generation⁹
• Solar: 5% of total generation
• Unspecified fossil fuels: 5% of total generation

In Sierra Leone, electricity access is limited, with only about 10% to 12% of the urban population and roughly 2% of the rural population having access.¹⁰¹¹

The country’s power supply is highly irregular, with 90% of electricity concentrated in the four main cities: Freetown, Kenema, Bo, and Makeni.

On the Freetown peninsula, electricity is available to customers for just a few hours each week.

According to the available information, over 250,000 residential solar kits have been installed in Sierra Leone as part of the Energy Revolution initiative launched in 2017.¹²

Mini-Grids and Solar Projects:

Several solar mini-grids have been installed as part of various initiatives. These include the Promoting Renewable Energy Services for Social Development (PRESSD) project which involved the installation and operation of 3 solar mini-grids, installation of SHS for aprox. 100 charging centres, 20 energy hubs for Agricultural Business Centres, 20 clinics, 12 schools, and 12 financial service associations.⁷

Sierra Leone Solar PV Park:

A 50 MW ground-mounted solar project planned for the Western Area. Construction is expected to commence in 2024, with commercial operation anticipated by 2026.¹⁰

Rural Renewable Energy Project:

There is an ongoing Rural Renewable Energy Project funded by DFID, which aims to establish 90 solar mini-grids (around 30-49 kW each) in rural areas. This project is expected to benefit up to 360,000 people by providing low-carbon energy solutions.¹³

Approximately 74% of Sierra Leoneans live off the grid, creating a substantial demand for off-grid solar appliances.⁶

Around 14.7% of households in Sierra Leone have off-grid access, predominantly through solar products such as solar lanterns and solar home systems. The adoption of solar lanterns is particularly high in rural areas, indicating a growing acceptance of solar solutions among communities without grid access.¹⁴

The Ministry of Energy aims to serve 37% of the population through off-grid renewable energy-based mini-grids and stand-alone systems by 2030.¹⁵

The on-grid market for solar panels in Sierra Leone is currently limited but holds potential for growth as the country seeks to enhance its energy infrastructure. The current grid-connected capacity is less than 150 MW, with around 150,000 customers connected.⁶

The government aims to enhance the grid infrastructure and integrate more renewable energy sources, including solar. The Rural Renewable Energy Project and other initiatives are expected to contribute to this growth by installing solar mini-grids and expanding access to solar energy.¹⁰

The main barriers to increasing on-grid solar panel adoption in Sierra Leone are:¹⁴

• Limited grid infrastructure and costly grid expansion
• Regulatory and policy barriers including lengthy import procedures and lack of standardized power purchase agreements
• Limited access to financing
• Low awareness among consumers and low technical capacity to install, maintain and operate grid-tied solar systems.

• The average monthly salary in Sierra Leone is approximately $251.58.¹⁶
• Solar Photovoltaic Installer: the average monthly salary is approximately $136.82.¹⁷
• Solar Energy Systems Engineer: the average monthly salary is approximately $218.16.¹⁸
• Solar Energy Installation Manager: the average monthly salary is approximately $311.24.¹⁹

The current population of Sierra Leone is 8,674,088.²⁰

Estimate for Factory Rent²¹

Approximate price for warehouse rentals in Sierra Leone is $60 per square meter per year.

Industrial Electricity Rates²²

In 2024, the cheapest rate for commercial consumers started at $0.186 per kWh for the first 25 kWh per month, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This represents a 131.8% increment from earlier tariffs.

Water Costs²³

Average urban water and sanitation tariff in Sierra Leone is approximately 0.22 $/m3.

Salaries and Wages¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹

Worker of solar industry in Sierra Leone earn between $136.82 and $311.24 monthly, depending on the position.

Rent for Office Space²¹

The average rental prices for commercial office spaces in Sierra Leone can vary widely, ranging from $6,000 to $45,000 per year (the cost would be approximately $100- $120 per square meter per year).

Insurance²⁴

Sierra Leone is expected to see substantial growth in its non-life insurance market. In 2024, the average spending per capita is estimated to be $64.42 per year.Top of FormBottom of Form

⁴⁷¹⁰

Energy Mix

Sierra Leone’s energy consumption is heavily reliant on biomass, which accounts for approximately 80% of the total energy used —  primarily for cooking with wood and charcoal. The remaining energy sources include 13% from imported petroleum products, mainly for transport and private energy generation. The installed power capacity is less than 150 MW, serving a small fraction of the population — with only about 10-12% of urban and 2% of rural residents having access to electricity. The primary source of grid electricity is the Bumbuna hydroelectric power plant, which provides power to major urban areas through a network of transmission lines.

Infrastructure and Interconnections

The electricity infrastructure in Sierra Leone is characterized by a limited and aging transmission and distribution network. The national transmission system includes a 161 kV line extending from the Bumbuna hydroelectric plant to Freetown, a grid for Makeni, and a 33 kV line connecting Bo and Kenema. However, the system faces significant challenges, including high transmission losses (approximately 34.5% in some areas) and inadequate capacity to meet demand.

Export and Import

Sierra Leone’s energy sector is primarily focused on meeting domestic demand, with limited capacity for energy exports. The country imports all petroleum products which are essential for power generation and transportation, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.

Policy Goal

The Government of Sierra Leone has set ambitious goals to expand access to electricity and improve the energy sector’s overall performance. Key initiatives include the establishment of the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) and the unbundling of the former National Power Authority into separate entities for generation and distribution. The government aims to increase electricity access to 37% of the population by 2030 and has committed to various reforms supported by international partners.

¹⁰²⁵

National Electricity Act (2011) – This act serves as the principal law governing electricity regulation in Sierra Leone. It facilitates the unbundling of the former National Power Authority and allows for the participation of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in electricity generation and distribution.

Mini-Grid Regulation (2018) – This regulation provides a licensing framework for mini-grid operators, allowing them to construct, install, and operate isolated mini-grids. It categorizes licenses into basic and full mini-grid licenses, with specific provisions for generation, distribution, and sale of electricity.

Finance Act (2016) – The Finance Act guarantees duty waivers for imported solar products that meet International Energy Commission Standards. This regulation aims to reduce the cost of solar technologies and encourage their adoption.

Renewable Energy Policy (2016) – This policy outlines the government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy sources, including solar energy, and aims to harmonize with international best practices. It includes objectives to develop regulatory measures that encourage private investments in renewable energy.

Energy Africa Policy Compact (2016) – Sierra Leone was the first African country to sign this compact, committing to enhance energy access through renewable solutions — particularly solar energy. This initiative reflects the government’s focus on achieving universal access to modern energy services.

Sierra Leone has implemented various government initiatives aimed at promoting solar panel production and enhancing access to renewable energy:^7102526

Promoting Renewable Energy Services for Social Development (PRESSD)

The PRESSD project, which ran from 2014 to 2018, aimed to improve access to renewable energy for rural communities. It involved the installation of solar mini-grids, solar home systems, and energy hubs in public facilities such as schools and health centers. The initiative targeted 850,000 people, significantly improving living conditions and economic opportunities in rural areas.

Solar Street Lights:

The Ministry of Energy has installed 8,471 solar street lights in various district headquarter towns across the country.

Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP)

Funded by DFID, this project aims to establish 90 solar mini-grids in rural areas, providing access to low-carbon energy for up to 360,000 people. The project includes subsidies for the installation of solar systems, benefiting rural households and small businesses.

Energy Revolution Initiative

Launched in 2017, this initiative committed to reaching 250,000 households with modern energy solutions, primarily through solar energy.

Financial Incentives and Tax Exemptions

Under the Finance Act, solar photovoltaic (PV) products are exempt from import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT). This exemption is designed to lower the cost of solar technologies for consumers, including households and small businesses.

World Bank Funding

The World Bank has allocated $40 million for the energy sector in Sierra Leone, with a portion dedicated to promoting renewable energy projects — including solar initiatives.

Subsidized Lifeline Tariffs:

Sierra Leone has a lifeline tariff for the first block of electricity consumption, which is subsidized to cover basic needs. This aims to make electricity more affordable for low-income households.

⁷²⁷²⁸

60 MW Solar Project in Freetown

• This project is funded by the World Bank as a part of the government’s strategy to expand renewable energy access.
• Status: Currently in the planning and funding stages.

Baoma 1 Solar PV Plant

• This is Sierra Leone’s first independent power project, a 5 MW solar farm that is part of a larger 25 MW solar PV project located in Yamandu, near Bo town. The project is expected to add approximately 15% to the country’s total electricity generation capacity.
• Status: The first phase has reached commercial operations.

Planet Solar Project

• A 50 MW solar power project developed by Frontier Energy and Planet One. This project will be the first large-scale grid-connected solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Sierra Leone, expected to increase the operational domestic electricity supply by approximately 30%.
• Status: The project has commenced construction, with a total investment of over $52 million.

6 MW Solar Park Project in Newton

• Developed by a consortium of ASIC and Mulk-OGI, this project is backed by the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. It aims to provide substantial access to clean renewable electricity to both urban and western rural districts around Freetown.
• Status: Currently under development.

²⁷²⁸²⁹

Easy Solar Limited

• Headquarters: Freetown, Sierra Leone
• Website: https://www.easysolar.org/
• Details: Founded in 2016, Easy Solar is a distribution and asset financing company that makes clean energy affordable to low-income off-grid households through solar lamps and home systems sold on a Pay-As-You-Go basis. Easy Solar has grown rapidly, reaching over 720,000 consumers nationwide while installing 130kWp of solar energy and creating over 500 clean energy jobs.

Serengeti Energy

• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
• Website: https://serengeti.energy/
• Details: Serengeti Energy owns Sierra Leone’s first independent power project, a 5MW solar farm that is the first phase of a larger 25MW solar PV project near Bo town. The 5MW plant will add approximately 15% to Sierra Leone’s total electricity generation capacity when fully operational.

Frontier Energy

• Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Website: https://frontier.dk/
• Details: Frontier Energy is developing Sierra Leone’s first large-scale grid-connected solar Independent Power Producer (IPP), a 50MW solar project. The $52 million project aims to increase Sierra Leone’s installed electricity capacity by 30%, providing clean and reliable energy to underserved regions.

Planet One

• Headquarters: Bromborough, UK
• Website: https://www.planetone-group.com/
• Details: Planet One is involved in the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, which focuses on modernizing the country’s digital infrastructure and improving connectivity. This project aims to enhance technological access and support economic development through advanced digital solutions.

Winch Energy

• Headquarters: Freetown, Sierra Leone
• Website: https://www.winchenergypower.com/
• Details: Winch Energy develops and operates mini-grids in rural areas of Sierra Leone, providing affordable and reliable electricity to underserved communities.

Aptech Africa

• Headquarters: Kampala, Uganda
• Website: https://aptechafrica.com/
• Details: Aptech Africa Ltd. is a leading EPC company specializing in solar energy and water pumping solutions across Africa, with offices in South Sudan, Uganda, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Niger, and Liberia. Established in 2011, the company offers comprehensive services including assessment, design, installation, and maintenance of solar and water technologies. The company is also known for its high-quality products, competitive pricing, and exceptional service.

Tati Solar

• Headquarters: Freetown, Sierra Leone
• Website: https://tatisolar.com/
• Details: Tati Solar is an independent provider of high-quality solar panels and inverters from leading global manufacturers. They offer carefully selected and tested products for efficient, durable, and affordable solar energy solutions – along with expert energy efficiency consulting.

Go Green Solar energy

• Headquarters: Tombo, Sierra Leone
• Website: https://gogreensolarsl.com/
• Details: Go Green Solar SL is a Sierra Leone-based company specializing in solar energy solutions, offering high-quality solar panels and installation services. Committed to promoting sustainable energy, they provide efficient and affordable solar systems designed to enhance energy access and reduce environmental impact.