Solar Energy Potential in Benin

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Benin

Capital: Porto-Novo

Total Population: Approximately 13 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Benin is located in West Africa, bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north, with a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea.

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 Benin

Benin experiences 5.0 to 5.5 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiation on average. The southern parts of the country, including Porto-Novo, benefit from abundant sunlight throughout the year. Solar energy can play a crucial role in reducing the country’s dependence on traditional energy sources and supporting rural electrification.

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

Temperature Factors in Benin

Average Annual Temperature: Benin experiences a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F) throughout the year.
Impact on Solar Panels: The moderate temperatures in Benin are generally favorable for solar power systems, though care must be taken in selecting panels with low temperature coefficients to maximize efficiency.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Benin

National Energy Demand: Benin’s energy demand is steadily growing, particularly in urban areas like Cotonou. The country faces significant challenges with power generation and distribution.
Grid Infrastructure: The electricity grid in Benin is expanding, but rural areas still lack reliable access to electricity. Solar power can help fill this gap by providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions.

Preferred System Type in Benin

Grid-Connected Systems: Ideal for urban areas like Cotonou, where the national grid is accessible. Solar systems connected to the grid will help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, lower electricity costs, and provide more stable power.
Off-Grid Systems: In rural areas, off-grid solar solutions are highly beneficial to provide power where the grid is unavailable or unreliable. These systems can be paired with battery storage to ensure consistent energy supply.

Dust and Sand Factor in Benin

Dust and Winds: Benin has some exposure to dust, particularly in its northern regions, which could impact the performance of solar panels.
Recommendations: Regular cleaning of panels and strategic placement of installations can reduce dust accumulation and ensure maximum efficiency.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Benin

Humidity Levels: The coastal areas of Benin have relatively high humidity, particularly during the rainy season.
Impact on Solar Panels: High humidity levels can contribute to corrosion, especially for the wiring and metal components. It’s important to choose corrosion-resistant materials to prolong the life of solar systems.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Benin

Coastal Areas: The coastal regions, including the capital Porto-Novo, experience saltwater exposure, which can lead to corrosion over time.
Recommendations: For installations in coastal areas, using salt-resistant materials is essential to ensure durability and optimal performance of solar power systems.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Benin

Benin is encouraging renewable energy projects as part of its commitment to sustainable energy development. The government offers incentives such as tax breaks and rebates for solar installations to promote the transition from traditional fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.

ROI on Solar Systems in Benin

ROI Timeline: The return on investment for solar systems in Benin is expected to range between 4 to 6 years, depending on system size, location, and available incentives. The stable solar resource and government support make solar a smart investment for both residential and commercial applications.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Benin

With abundant solar resources, Benin presents an excellent opportunity for solar power generation, especially in areas with limited access to the national grid. Whether for urban or rural applications, solar can provide reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy.

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.