Canadian Solar breaks into Africa with 6MW project completed in Namibia

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Namibia has some of the highest irradiation levels in the World at 3000 kWh/m² over a wide-area of the country, but had less than 40MW of cumulative solar capacity installed at the end 2017. Image: IRENA

‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Canadian Solar has completed construction and started commercial operation of a 6MWp PV power project in Keetmanshoop, Namibia, its first project in Africa. 

The SMSL said that the plant became operational on November 27, 2017, with an expected annual electricity generation of 14.6GWh, using 18,480 of its CS6U modules. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The plants electricity is being purchased by Namibia Power Corporation (Proprietary) Ltd. under a 25-year Renewable Energy feed-in-tariff (REFIT) contract at the rate of NAD1.37 (US$0.10) per kWh.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar said, “Africa is part of our global target markets and we will continue to build solar projects there to deliver more clean, safe and affordable solar energy to the continent.”

Namibia has some of the highest irradiation levels in the World at 3000 kWh/m² over a wide-area of the country, but had less than 40MW of cumulative solar capacity installed at the end 2017. 

Read Next

July 11, 2025
Sabanci Renewables, the North American subsidiary of Turkish conglomerate Sabanci Holdings, is building a 156MWdc solar project in McLennan County, Texas.
July 11, 2025
Indian independent power producer (IPP) Juniper Green Energy has commissioned an additional 71MWp at Chapalgaon Solar Project in Solapur, Maharashtra.
July 11, 2025
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed that several utility-scale solar PV power plants experienced curtailment of above 25% in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in 2024.
July 10, 2025
German renewables company BayWa r.e. has secured a €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) loan for 'operational initiatives and pipeline expansion.'
July 10, 2025
US renewables developer Invenergy has launched commercial operations of 250MW Fairbanks Solar Energy Center in Sullivan County, Indiana. 
July 10, 2025
Copenhagen Energy has partnered with Thy-Mors Energi to set up a 100MW PV and BESS project in Ballerum, about 370km from Copenhagen. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK