Is there a market for solar energy in Rwanda?

Only few companies in Rwanda are active in the field of solar energy. They focus mainly on the market for larger systems for public institutions, e.g. hospitals, schools etc through public tenders. In addition they and others are also trying to sell solar home systems but the market for solar lanterns and small home systems is still in its infancy.

How much does a solar home system cost in Rwanda?

Energy Private Developers (EPD) has currently registered over 40 solar companies who have invested in Solar Home System (SHS) business. SHS kits Capacities available on Rwandan market are those of 12W, 20W, 40W, 50 W, 100W, 120W, 200W and 300W with average price per a kit of 67,678 Rwf.

Is Rwanda a significant source of solar energy?

Rwanda has a moderate source of solar energy, with an average solar radiation of 4 – 6 kWh per square meter per day. It has had a useful experience with the 250 kW Kigali solar project and solar water heaters. However, Rwanda's energy mix is currently dominated by biomass, which accounts for about 85% of primary energy use.

How much electricity does Rwanda have in 2021?

By May 2021, Rwanda’s generation capacity installed is currently 238.052MW. 1,752,345 households have been connected to electricity where 1,278,601 households are on grid and 473,744 households connected to Off-grid mainly solar. Solar energy is a promising solution to meet the demand for rural households’ electricity services in remote locations.

What percentage of Rwandan households access electricity through off-grid systems?

As of May 2021, 16 % of Rwandan households are accessing electricity through off-grid systems, mainly solar. The Energy sector strategic plan underscores the universal access to electricity by 2024 with 48% of the households connected through off-grid power systems.

When will Rwanda Energy access & quality improvement projects (eaqip) funds be available?

It was established in 2017 and is still on going up to 30 th September 2023. The Rwanda Energy Access and Quality Improvement Projects (EAQIP) funds under Window 5 was launched on 2 nd October 2020 will be available until 31 st December 2026.