Sudan’s Untapped Solar Wealth: Energizing the Nation

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Republic of the Sudan

Capital: Khartoum

Total Population: Approximately 48 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Sudan is located in Northeast Africa, bordered by Egypt to the north, Eritrea and the Red Sea to the east, Ethiopia to the southeast, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the southwest, and Chad and Libya to the west. With vast deserts, savannahs, and a large rural population, Sudan’s immense solar potential, combined with low electricity access, positions the country for rapid development through off-grid and utility-scale solar systems.

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.

Solar Irradiation Data in Republic of the Sudan

Sudan ranks among the top solar potential countries in Africa, especially in its desert and semi-arid zones, where cloud cover is minimal year-round.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

Annual Solar Irradiation: Ranges from 6.0 to 7.5 kWh/m²/day
Sunshine Hours: Over 3,300 to 3,800 hours/year
Best Locations: Northern State, North Darfur, Kassala, Gedaref, and Khartoum region

The entire country is suitable for solar PV systems, especially in off-grid applications, rural electrification, and utility-scale plants for national energy supply.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Sudan, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Republic of the Sudan

Sudan has a hot arid to semi-arid climate, with extreme heat during summer months.

Temperatures: Commonly range from 30°C to 45°C in desert zones
Cooler areas: Exist in highland and southern regions, where conditions are milder

Design considerations:

Use high-heat-tolerant PV modules
Provide proper ventilation and shaded enclosures for inverters and batteries
Secure electronic components against thermal degradation

Solar system performance remains high with adequate heat protection.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Republic of the Sudan

Despite having a national grid, Sudan’s electricity access is limited, particularly in rural areas, where access is below 40%. The grid is fragmented, outdated, and often suffers from generation shortfalls, blackouts, and fuel supply issues.

Utility operator: Sudan Electricity Distribution Company (SEDC)
Rural electrification: Remains minimal due to vast distances and conflict-affected areas
Diesel reliance: High in both urban backup systems and remote communities

Solar power is essential to meet basic energy needs and enhance economic development in underserved areas.

Preferred System Type in Republic of the Sudan

Given the geography, population distribution, and infrastructure challenges, Sudan benefits from multiple solar applications:

Off-Grid Solar Systems: For households, health centers, schools, and small businesses
Mini-Grids: For villages, farming cooperatives, and IDP settlements
Hybrid Systems: Used in NGO operations, government facilities, and telecom sites
Utility-Scale PV Plants: Viable in flat desert zones for grid support and economic zones

Battery storage is crucial for nighttime supply, blackout prevention, and rural service reliability.

Dust and Sand Factor in Republic of the Sudan

Dust is a major concern, particularly in desert and Sahelian regions such as Darfur, Northern State, and Kordofan.

Mitigation recommendations:

Clean panels every 2–3 weeks, especially in dry seasons
Use tilted mounts and dust-resistant panel coatings
Apply protective enclosures for sensitive electronics

Dust maintenance plans are essential for all regions except southern Sudan.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Republic of the Sudan

Sudan experiences limited rainfall, with semi-humid conditions only in the south.

Northern and central regions: Arid, with less than 200 mm/year
Southern areas (e.g., Blue Nile, Sennar): Up to 1,200 mm/year during the rainy season
Humidity: Generally low except during short wet periods

Design protection includes:

Use IP66-rated enclosures for all installations
Ensure drainage pathways for rainy-season runoff
Install on elevated and well-ventilated platforms

Humidity-related degradation is mostly a concern in southern Sudan.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Republic of the Sudan

Only coastal regions in the Red Sea State, including Port Sudan, are exposed to salt-laden ocean air.

Protection strategies:

Use marine-grade mounting materials and stainless steel fixings
Apply anti-corrosion coatings to metal components
Conduct periodic inspection and maintenance

Inland areas, which constitute the majority of Sudan, face no salt exposure issues.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Republic of the Sudan

Sudan has taken steps toward enabling renewable energy, especially solar, with support from international partners.

Policy highlights:

Government target to increase renewable energy share to 30% by 2030
Partnerships with UNDP, World Bank, AfDB, and GIZ
Several pilot solar mini-grid projects in underdeveloped areas
Import duty exemptions for solar components in select donor-funded programs
Growing interest in IPPs and public-private partnerships in energy infrastructure

Policy execution is still limited due to governance and economic constraints, but the market potential remains high.

ROI on Solar Systems in Republic of the Sudan

Solar offers excellent returns in Sudan, particularly in areas that rely on diesel generators, which are costly and logistically challenging.

ROI Period:
- Off-grid systems and SHS: 2–3 years
- Mini-grids and commercial hybrid systems: 4–6 years
Post-ROI Benefits: Fuel savings, improved service delivery, and energy reliability
Financing Access: Available through donor grants, development funds, and NGO channels

Solar projects are increasingly viewed as a critical infrastructure investment.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Republic of the Sudan

Sudan is a top-tier solar energy environment with exceptional irradiation, large off-grid population, and a growing need for reliable, decentralized energy solutions. Whether powering a clinic in Darfur, a farm in Gezira, or a school in White Nile State, solar energy is key to driving resilience and inclusive development.

At Solarvance, we specialize in dust-resistant, high-heat solar systems engineered for desert climates like Sudan. Whether for a refugee camp, a telecom station, or a government facility, our systems are built for performance, longevity, and impact.

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.

Sudan’s Untapped Solar Wealth: Energizing the Nation

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Republic of the Sudan

Capital: Khartoum

Total Population: Approximately 48 million (as of 2025)

Table of Contents

Solar Irradiation Data in Republic of the Sudan

Temperature Factors in Republic of the Sudan

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Republic of the Sudan

Preferred System Type in Republic of the Sudan

Dust and Sand Factor in Republic of the Sudan

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Republic of the Sudan

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Republic of the Sudan

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Republic of the Sudan

ROI on Solar Systems in Republic of the Sudan

Conclusion on Solar Power in Republic of the Sudan

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