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Sierra Leone’s Solar Revolution: Powering Progress with Sunshine
Country or Region Overview
Country or Region: Republic of Sierra Leone
Capital: Freetown
Total Population: Approximately 8.9 million (as of 2025)
Geographical Location: Sierra Leone is a West African country located along the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Guinea to the north and northeast and Liberia to the southeast. The country features coastal plains, forested hills, and inland savannas, with a predominantly rural population. With limited electricity access and abundant sunlight, Sierra Leone is a prime candidate for solar energy deployment, especially in off-grid and mini-grid systems for rural development.
Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.
Table of Contents
Solar Irradiation Data in Republic of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone receives reliable solar irradiation year-round, particularly in inland areas where cloud cover is less frequent.
Key Solar Irradiation Data:
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Annual Solar Irradiation: Ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 kWh/m²/day
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Sunshine Hours: Around 2,400 to 3,000 hours/year
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Best Locations: Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Port Loko, and Kono District
This irradiation is sufficient for solar home systems, community mini-grids, and institutional PV systems in both rural and peri-urban settings.
If you need to learn more solar power potential in Sierra Leone, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.
Temperature Factors in Republic of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year.
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Average daytime temperatures: Range from 25°C to 32°C
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Coastal and inland regions experience high humidity levels
These stable temperatures are suitable for solar:
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PV panels operate efficiently with minimal temperature-induced losses
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System components require ventilation and shading to avoid long-term overheating
Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Republic of Sierra Leone
Only about 30% of Sierra Leone’s population has access to electricity, with rural access below 10%. The national grid, managed by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), is limited in scope and prone to outages.
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Diesel generators and kerosene are common in unelectrified areas
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Solar energy is essential for bridging the energy access gap
Efforts to expand energy access are increasingly focused on decentralized solar solutions.
Preferred System Type in Republic of Sierra Leone
Due to limited grid coverage and high solar potential, Sierra Leone benefits from:
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Off-Grid Solar Systems: For homes, schools, health centers, and markets
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Mini-Grids: For villages, economic centers, and farming communities
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Hybrid Systems: For government buildings, NGOs, and telecom facilities
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Grid-Tied Rooftop Solar: Used in Freetown and select urban areas with unstable grid supply
Battery storage is essential for evening loads and for use in off-grid areas.
Dust and Sand Factor in Republic of Sierra Leone
Dust is a minor to moderate factor, especially during the dry season (November to April), when windblown particles can accumulate on PV modules.
Recommendations:
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Clean panels every 2–4 weeks during dry periods
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Use tilted installations for self-cleaning via rain
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Avoid low-ground installations near unpaved roads or dusty fields
In coastal and rainforest regions, frequent rain naturally helps keep panels clean.
Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Republic of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has a wet tropical climate, with a distinct rainy season from May to October.
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Humidity levels: Frequently between 75% and 95%
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Annual rainfall: 2,000 to 3,500 mm, among the highest in West Africa
System protection measures include:
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IP66-rated enclosures to prevent water ingress
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Waterproof cabling and elevated platforms for electronics
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Ensuring proper drainage and corrosion-resistant materials
Humidity is a serious factor, especially in coastal zones like Freetown and the Western Area.
Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Republic of Sierra Leone
Salt corrosion is a real concern in coastal areas, especially in Freetown, Bonthe, and Sherbro Island, due to proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Protection strategies:
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Use marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel hardware
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Apply anti-corrosion coatings
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Perform routine maintenance and inspections to catch early signs of corrosion
Inland systems in areas like Bo or Makeni are not exposed to salt-related degradation.
Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Republic of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is actively working to expand energy access through solar energy.
Key policies and initiatives:
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Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP) supports solar mini-grids in remote communities
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Collaborations with UNOPS, AfDB, and World Bank on electrification programs
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Duty exemptions for solar components under donor-funded or government-supported projects
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Private sector participation encouraged through licensing and project tendering
The government sees solar as key to achieving universal energy access by 2030.
ROI on Solar Systems in Republic of Sierra Leone
Solar power offers excellent ROI in Sierra Leone due to high fuel costs, limited alternatives, and favorable sunlight.
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ROI Period:
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Small off-grid systems: 2–3 years
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Mini-grids and hybrid institutional systems: 4–6 years
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Post-ROI Benefits: Major cost savings, energy reliability, and improved livelihoods
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Financial Access: Available via development grants, impact investment, and climate funding
Solar offers transformative potential in underserved areas.
Conclusion on Solar Power in Republic of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone offers tremendous solar potential, especially for off-grid and rural applications. With strong sun, growing demand, and donor-backed infrastructure projects, solar energy is a real solution to bridge the country’s energy access gap.
At Solarvance, we provide climate-adapted, salt-resistant, and scalable solar systems ideal for West African markets like Sierra Leone. Whether powering a school in Kono, a health clinic in Kailahun, or a microgrid in Pujehun, we deliver systems designed for performance, durability, and long-term value.
Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System
Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.
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