Africa is rapidly expanding its solar energy capacity, with the installation of 2.4 GW of new solar PV in 2024, and is projected to grow by 42 percent in 2025.[1] Solar systems like utility-scale and off-grid systems are playing a central role in this growth.
As solar adoption increases, the selection of a solar system supplier becomes a decisive factor in the long-term success of any project. Sunway is an experienced solar power system supplier offering solar systems of different scales in Africa.
Here, we are going to outline the essential supplier selection criteria for you, explain how to identify red flags, and explore how local market knowledge can help you make the right decision.
Understand Your Project Requirements First
Before looking into the right solar power system supplier, you need to first understand what your project requires. Here is a step-by-step guide.
1. Define the Scope of Your Project
Start by defining the full scope of your project. Identify whether you are planning a solar system for a residential home, agricultural site, small business, or community facility. It will help you determine the system’s size, design complexity, and operational expectations.
2. Estimate System Size
Next, estimate your energy requirements. Calculate your average daily consumption in kilowatt-hours, determine the peak load your system must handle at any given time, and identify the number of autonomy days you need in case of prolonged cloud cover or grid failure. These estimates will guide the selection of battery capacity, inverter size, and solar panel configuration.
3. Clarify Whether Grid-Tied, Hybrid, or Off-Grid
If grid access is available and the goal is to reduce energy costs without relying on batteries, a grid-tied system is generally the most suitable option. In areas with frequent blackouts, hybrid systems are preferable since they come with battery storage options. In areas without utility access, an off-grid system is necessary and must function independently with adequate storage capacity.
When these project details are defined, it becomes easier to narrow down potential solar system suppliers. You can easily identify the suppliers who lack the product range, local experience, or technical expertise to handle your specific needs.
Key Criteria to Evaluate Solar Suppliers
Here is how you can evaluate the solar system suppliers:
1. Experience and Reputation
Evaluate how long the supplier has been active and the types of projects they have completed. Prioritize those who have worked in similar conditions and on projects comparable to yours. Confirm their reputation by requesting client references and reviewing publicly available feedback.
2. Certifications and Product Standards
Verify that the solar system supplier uses components certified to international standards, such as IEC for solar panels and inverters. Confirm whether they hold manufacturer authorizations or installation accreditations. Avoid any supplier unable to provide proper documentation.
3. Technical Expertise and Support
Assess whether the supplier can accurately size and configure systems based on your specific requirements. Ensure they are capable of providing technical proposals, qualified personnel, and guidance on maintenance and system performance.
4. Local Presence and After–Sales Support
It is also crucial to choose solar system suppliers with a local presence and the capacity to offer timely support, maintenance, and access to spare parts.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Be cautious of solar system suppliers with no verifiable company background. If a business cannot provide a physical address, legal registration, or documented project history, it should be avoided at all costs.
- Also, avoid companies that make exaggerated claims such as lifetime maintenance-free systems or unrealistic performance guarantees. These statements often indicate a lack of technical understanding or an attempt to oversell the product.
- Refusal to provide certifications, unclear warranty terms, or inconsistent communication are also signs of an unreliable solar system supplier.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
Before signing any contract, ask the following questions of the shortlisted solar system suppliers.
- What is the full warranty coverage, including duration and terms?
- Who is responsible for installation and after-sales support?
- What is the average delivery and installation timeline?
- How scalable or upgradeable is the system in the future?
- Is there local training or maintenance available?
These questions help clarify warranty coverage, installation responsibilities, timelines, future scalability, and local support—factors that directly impact system performance, long-term costs, and service reliability. By addressing these topics upfront, you reduce the risk of misunderstandings, delays, or unexpected expenses later on.
Sunway Expertise in African Solar Projects
Sunway has made significant strides in delivering solar energy solutions across Africa, focusing on alleviating electricity shortages and supporting the continent’s green transition.
Check Sunway‘s efforts in supporting Africa with solar innovation:
Sunway Tech Powers Solar in Africa
Sunway‘s Role in Sino-African Green Transition
One of our popular offerings is the Sunway 1.2/3.6/5KW Off-Grid Solar Energy System Kit. The main components of this high-performance yet cost-effective system include:
- High-Efficiency Solar Panels: Equipped with 550W solar panels with up to 21.67% efficiency, reducing electricity bills significantly.
- Smart MPPT Solar Inverter: Compact and intelligent MPPT inverter ensures optimized power conversion and system performance.
- Long-Life Lithium Battery: Durable lithium solar battery offers reliable energy storage for extended off-grid usage.
Furthermore, this off-grid solar system has advantages like:
- Flexible Installation: Supports both ground and rooftop mounting (customizable); includes professional tools and pre-assembled components for 50% faster installation.
- Scalable System Design: Easily expandable by adding more panels, upgrading to higher wattage inverters (1.2KW/3.6KW/5KW), and integrating additional lithium batteries (up to 25.6V 205Ah ×2).
- Durability & Weather Resistance: Built to withstand harsh environments; features IP67 waterproof connectors and certified components.
- Smart Energy Management: Enables remote monitoring and intelligent control via RS485 communication.
Wrapping Up
The success of any solar project depends heavily on choosing the right solar system supplier. Sunway offers high-quality solar kits specifically designed for households and businesses in Africa. The above 1.2/3.6/5KW off-grid solar system is one of our notable offerings.
Furthermore, Sunway continuously improves our product performance by participating in key exhibitions and engaging with local voices. For example, at the MegaWatt Africa Ghana 2025, held from July 2–4, Sunway showcased our latest innovations, connecting with stakeholders and gaining valuable insights into the region’s energy needs.
With certified components, flexible configurations, and dependable after-sales support, we offer a practical and trusted solution for sustainable power. Whether you’re looking to power a rural home or a small business, click here to get in touch—we’re here to help every step of the way!
References:
- https://www.globalsolarcouncil.org/resources/africa-market-outlook-for-solar-pv-2025-2028/
