JinkoSolar Plans Strategic Expansion In Africa

JinkoSolar, the world’s largest solar panel manufacturer by shipments, is pursuing overseas expansion plans, with Africa as its strategic focus. Its goal is to secure a leading position in both the solar and energy storage sectors.

Over the past three years, the company has shipped 5.2 gigawatts of solar panels and 100 megawatt-hours of energy storage systems to 45 countries in Africa, accounting for 15 percent of the continent’s market share, said Qian Jing, vice president of JinkoSolar.

“The company is increasing its local presence by establishing subsidiaries in key markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, which have ambitious and decisive energy transition goals and a relatively stable political and financial environment, making them prime growth targets,” she added.

“With vast land resources, a large population that still lacks access to electricity, and vast solar potential, the continent has a greater demand for renewable energy than many other regions, and its potential as a solar market is unmatched.”

Analysts say Africa offers a unique opportunity for solar developers, although challenges remain, including poor grid and transportation infrastructure, limited and geographically dispersed project capacity, and talent shortages.

Africa has huge potential for solar energy. The continent has many growth markets that could benefit from today’s record-low solar panel prices, said Nickolas Lua, a solar supply chain analyst at global consulting firm Rystad Energy.

“Solar panels in sunny North Africa produce up to three times more energy than those in Europe, and the region has plenty of space to build more solar installations,” he added.

“As it is, North Africa accounts for a fifth of the continent’s solar power and is home to some of the world’s largest solar installations, such as Egypt’s Benban Solar Complex.”

According to Lua, South Africa’s primary market is also worth noting. The potential market size for the solar rooftop segment alone in the country is a respectable 86 GW, and businesses and households have installed solar panels there to avoid grid-induced power outages.

The growing presence of Chinese solar companies in Africa will be a great opportunity to expand the reach of renewable energy in the country and showcase the country’s technological achievements on the international stage, according to Luo Zuoxian, an analyst at Sinopec Economics and Development Research Institute.

The successful implementation of the projects will not only strengthen China’s renewable energy industry, but also strengthen economic ties with African countries, which will translate into long-term strategic partnerships, he added.

JinkoSolar has made significant progress in solving these problems by exporting not only its products but also its technology and expertise.

The company offers on-site and off-site training programs for local engineers to enhance their skills in installing and maintaining solar and energy storage systems, and also supplies advanced solar technologies such as its high-efficiency TOPCon panels, which are designed specifically for use in tropical climates such as those found in Africa, with a lower temperature coefficient and lower degradation rates.

The company’s major projects in Africa include the supply of 25 MW TOPCon N-type panels for the first solar-powered hydrogen project at Namibia’s Oshivela Green Iron plant. The plant, which is set to become the first commercial green iron plant in Africa, is a milestone in the continent’s industrial green revolution. JinkoSolar has also signed a memorandum of understanding to secure orders for the second and third phases of the project, with a combined capacity of up to 1.8 GW, it said.

By combining solar energy with hydrogen, JinkoSolar is helping Africa pioneer clean energy solutions, significantly increasing the continent’s competitiveness in global markets.

Qian said JinkoSolar has unveiled a comprehensive plan to expand its presence in Africa over the next five to 10 years. It aims to deepen its presence in more African countries, further strengthen its position in solar energy markets and foster innovation by exploring applications such as solar-powered desalination.

“Our long-term vision is to lead Africa’s energy transformation by driving investment, innovation and technology transfer,” she said.

“We are committed to being a key player in Africa’s journey towards renewable energy and sustainable development, leveraging our well-established network.”