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Solar Energy Takes Off in Burundi
Country or Region Overview
Country or Region: Burundi
Capital: Gitega
Total Population: Approximately 13 million (as of 2025)
Geographical Location: Burundi is a landlocked country located in East-Central Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. It also shares part of Lake Tanganyika, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The country lies just south of the equator, with a high plateau geography and moderate tropical climate, offering substantial solar potential for decentralized energy solutions.
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 Burundi
Despite its relatively small size, Burundi benefits from strong and stable solar irradiation, especially in its elevated regions. With limited cloud cover during the dry seasons and high solar intensity year-round, solar energy is a promising solution for the country’s rural and urban areas.
Key Solar Irradiation Data:
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Annual Solar Irradiation: Between 4.8 and 5.5 kWh/m²/day
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Sunshine Hours: Around 2,500 to 2,800 hours annually
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Best Seasons: June to September and January to February are the driest and sunniest periods
The consistent sunshine makes Burundi highly suitable for off-grid, mini-grid, and small-scale rooftop solar systems.
If you need to learn more solar power potential in Burundi, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.
Temperature Factors in Burundi
Due to its elevation, Burundi enjoys mild tropical temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C, depending on altitude and season. The cooler climate in the highlands helps enhance PV performance, as solar panels tend to operate more efficiently in lower temperatures.
Well-ventilated installations on metal rooftops or elevated structures are ideal for ensuring thermal regulation and maximizing panel output.
Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Burundi
Burundi faces significant challenges in energy access. According to the World Bank, only about 12–15% of the population has access to electricity, with coverage heavily skewed toward urban areas.
The national grid is small and unreliable, and most rural areas are off-grid. The majority of the population relies on biomass for cooking and lighting. As a result, there is a high demand for off-grid solar systems, particularly in the residential, education, healthcare, and agriculture sectors.
Preferred System Type in Burundi
Given the country’s limited grid infrastructure and low electrification rate, solar energy is one of the most viable solutions for meeting energy needs:
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Off-Grid Systems: Essential for rural households, schools, health clinics, and community centers
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Mini-Grids: Effective for powering villages, markets, and local institutions
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Solar Home Systems (SHS): Popular for low-income households and remote areas
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Solar Water Pumping: Valuable in supporting agriculture and water access in rural zones
Hybrid and grid-tied systems are less common but are slowly emerging in urban development projects and government buildings.
Dust and Sand Factor in Burundi
Dust levels in Burundi are moderate, particularly during the dry seasons, when wind and bare soil can lead to increased dust on solar panels. This can reduce efficiency if left uncleaned.
A monthly cleaning schedule is recommended, especially for flat installations or areas close to dirt roads or agricultural fields.
Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Burundi
Burundi experiences moderate to high humidity, especially during the rainy seasons from February to May and October to December. These conditions demand appropriate weatherproofing to ensure system longevity.
Solar systems should include:
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IP65+ rated enclosures
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Moisture-resistant connectors and wiring
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Protective seals on junction boxes and inverters
Systems should also be slightly elevated to prevent ground moisture exposure and to allow proper ventilation.
Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Burundi
Burundi is landlocked and does not experience ocean-based salt corrosion. Therefore, the salt corrosion factor is negligible. However, systems near Lake Tanganyika or other bodies of water may still benefit from basic anti-corrosion treatment due to humidity and moisture.
Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Burundi
The Government of Burundi has prioritized renewable energy as a pathway to improve national electrification. Recent developments include:
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Promotion of private sector participation in rural electrification
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Import tax exemptions on renewable energy components
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Support from international development partners like the World Bank and GIZ
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Strategic focus on decentralized energy systems for underserved regions
While structured feed-in tariffs are not yet in place, the government supports mini-grid pilots and clean energy startups.
ROI on Solar Systems in Burundi
Given the lack of grid alternatives, high kerosene costs, and low maintenance of solar systems, ROI is particularly favorable in off-grid applications.
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ROI Period: Typically 2 to 4 years for small systems used in rural homes and clinics
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Post-ROI Value: Long-term savings, improved productivity, and better quality of life
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Funding Opportunities: Many systems are eligible for support from donors, NGOs, and micro-finance programs
The economic impact is often significant, even with relatively small-scale solar installations.
Conclusion on Solar Power in Burundi
Burundi presents a high-need, high-impact environment for solar energy development. With strong sunlight, low electrification rates, and growing government and donor support, the country offers tremendous opportunity for decentralized solar solutions to transform lives.
Solarvance is committed to delivering durable, affordable, and scalable solar systems designed for rural Africa. Whether powering a village school, a water pump, or a remote home, our solutions bring clean, reliable energy where it is needed most in Burundi.
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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