Africa, often dubbed the “Sun Continent,” boasts some of the highest solar irradiation levels globally, with over 85% of its landscape receiving at least 2,000 kWh/m²/year.
This immense potential has fueled the development of large-scale solar farms across the continent, addressing energy access challenges and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Here’s a ranking of the top 10 largest solar farms in Africa by capacity as of early 2025, followed by a detailed breakdown of each project.
List of the Top 10 Largest Solar Farms in Africa
- Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, Morocco – 580 MW
- Benban Solar Park, Egypt – 500 MW (Phase 1 completed)
- De Aar Solar Farm, South Africa – 175 MW
- Jasper Solar Power Project, South Africa – 96 MW
- Kathu Solar Park, South Africa – 100 MW
- Ilanga Concentrated Solar Power 1, South Africa – 100 MW
- Bokpoort CSP Plant, South Africa – 50 MW
- Nzema Solar Power Station, Ghana – 155 MW (Under construction)
- Gariep Solar Park, South Africa – 75 MW
- Sidi Bouzid Solar Farm, Tunisia – 60 MW
1. Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, Morocco – 580 MW
Located 10 km from Ouarzazate, the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex is Africa’s largest solar farm, spanning 3,000 hectares.
Completed in 2019, it generates 580 MW using a combination of concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) technologies.
The project, developed by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen), powers 1.1 million homes and reduces CO2 emissions by 760,000 tons annually.
It’s CSP system, with molten salt storage, provides up to 7 hours of energy after sunset. Morocco’s $9 billion solar plan aims to expand Noor to 2,000 MW by 2030, though high costs and water use for cooling remain challenges.
2. Benban Solar Park, Egypt – 500 MW (Phase 1)
Benban Solar Park in Aswan, Egypt, is one of the world’s largest solar parks, with Phase 1 completed in 2019 at 500 MW.
Spanning 37 km², it comprises 32 individual plants developed by private companies like Infinity Solar under Egypt’s feed-in tariff program. Benban powers 200,000 homes and cuts emissions by 400,000 tons annually.
The park’s $4 billion investment has created 4,000 jobs, but dust storms and grid connectivity issues pose operational hurdles. Egypt aims to expand Benban to 1,800 MW by 2027.
3. De Aar Solar Farm, South Africa – 175 MW
De Aar Solar Farm in the Northern Cape, completed in 2014, generates 175 MW across 473 hectares. Developed by Solar Capital, it powers 75,000 homes and produces 300 GWh annually, reducing emissions by 200,000 tons.
The Northern Cape’s high solar irradiance (6 kWh/m²/day) makes it ideal, though water scarcity for panel cleaning is a challenge. De Aar has been a model for South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
4. Jasper Solar Power Project, South Africa – 96 MW
The Jasper Solar Power Project, also in the Northern Cape, spans 180 hectares and generates 96 MW. Completed in 2014 by SolarReserve, it powers 80,000 homes and produces 180 GWh annually, cutting emissions by 150,000 tons.
At the time of its commissioning, Jasper was Africa’s largest solar farm, showcasing the region’s potential. Its success has spurred further investments, though sandstorms occasionally affect efficiency.
5. Kathu Solar Park, South Africa – 100 MW
Kathu Solar Park, located near Kathu in the Northern Cape, generates 100 MW using CSP technology. Completed in 2019 by Engie, it features a molten salt storage system providing 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage, powering 179,000 homes. Kathu produces 200 GWh annually, reducing emissions by 300,000 tons over its lifetime. The project’s $1.2 billion cost reflects the high expense of CSP, but its reliability during peak demand is a significant advantage.
6. Ilanga Concentrated Solar Power 1, South Africa – 100 MW
Ilanga CSP 1, located in Karoshoek, 20 km east of Upington, generates 100 MW across 300 hectares. Operational since 2018, it uses parabolic trough technology and provides 5 hours of thermal storage, powering 80,000 homes.
Developed by Emvelo, Ilanga produces 180 GWh annually, cutting emissions by 150,000 tons. Its location in the sunny Northern Cape is ideal, though water use for cooling remains a concern in this arid region.
7. Bokpoort CSP Plant, South Africa – 50 MW
Bokpoort CSP Plant, near Groblershoop in the Northern Cape, generates 50 MW and features 9.3 hours of thermal storage, one of the longest in Africa. Completed in 2016 by ACWA Power, it powers 50,000 homes and produces
100 GWh annually, reducing emissions by 80,000 tons. Bokpoort’s extended storage capacity ensures stable energy supply, but its smaller scale and high CSP costs limit scalability.
8. Nzema Solar Power Station, Ghana – 155 MW (Under Construction)
Nzema Solar Power Station in Ghana’s Western Region is set to generate 155 MW upon completion in 2026. Spanning 740 hectares, it’s developed by Blue Energy and will power 100,000 homes.
The project, part of Ghana’s goal to achieve 10% renewable energy by 2030, has faced delays due to funding and land disputes but promises to reduce emissions by 120,000 tons annually once operational.
9. Gariep Solar Park, South Africa – 75 MW
Gariep Solar Park in the Free State generates 75 MW across 200 hectares. Completed in 2015 by SunEdison, it powers 35,000 homes and produces 130 GWh annually, cutting emissions by 90,000 tons. Its location near the Gariep Dam allows for hybrid energy potential, though grid connectivity challenges have occasionally limited output.
10. Sidi Bouzid Solar Farm, Tunisia – 60 MW
Sidi Bouzid Solar Farm in central Tunisia generates 60 MW across 150 hectares. Completed in 2023 by Scatec Solar, it powers 30,000 homes and produces 110 GWh annually, reducing emissions by 70,000 tons.
The project supports Tunisia’s goal of 30% renewable energy by 2030, though sandstorms and limited local expertise for maintenance pose challenges.
These solar farms collectively generate over 1,800 MW, powering millions of homes and reducing CO2 emissions by nearly 2 million tons annually. South Africa dominates with its REIPPPP program, while Morocco and Egypt leverage ambitious national strategies. Challenges like water scarcity, grid infrastructure, and funding delays persist, but Africa’s solar farms are a testament to the continent’s renewable energy potential, paving the way for a greener future.
