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

March 14, 2018
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

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

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

February 4, 2026
Industry leaders warn that hybridising PV with batteries is now essential to secure revenue, manage volatility, and maintain investor value.
February 4, 2026
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European energy has gone from an overreliance on Russia to an overreliance on China.
February 4, 2026
Spanish renewable energy company Zelestra has finalised a power purchase agreement with Facebook’s parent company Meta for its 176MW Skull Creek Solar Plant in Texas.
February 4, 2026
US authorities have hit back at a WTO ruling that subsidies for domestically produced solar and other clean energy components discriminate against Chinese firms.
Premium
February 4, 2026
The latest edition in our NEM Data Spotlight series delves into solar PV data from January 2026 and how it hit a daily peak of 222GWh.
February 3, 2026
The US and India have announced a trade deal under which Washington will cut reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 25%.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
February 18, 2026
9am PST / 5pm GMT
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA