Africa’s Solar Manufacturing Breakthrough

January 09, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Key Figures & Findings: Swansea University has initiated REACH-PSM, a £3 million project to pioneer perovskite solar module (PSM) manufacturing across Africa. Supported by the UKRI Ayrton Challenge Programme, the initiative includes partnerships with local communities, universities, and businesses in Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa. This project builds on Swansea’s established programmes, such as TEA@SUNRISE and UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Energy Technologies, aiming to create locally sourced, efficient, and recyclable solar solutions tailored to Africa’s needs.

Statistics & Insights: The REACH-PSM initiative will deliver Africa’s first large-scale demonstration of next-generation perovskite solar manufacturing while integrating sustainable end-of-life processes. The project emphasizes the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of solar modules to minimize waste and strengthen supply chains in participating countries.

Future Implications: If successfully implemented, REACH-PSM could position Africa as a hub for cutting-edge solar innovation, driving energy independence and economic growth. This initiative could inspire scalable, sustainable manufacturing models for solar technologies globally while reinforcing equitable access to renewable energy.