£3 Million Grant to Support Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing in Africa

A consortium of researchers and companies has been awarded a £3 million ($3.7 million) grant to explore the manufacturing of perovskite solar modules in South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria. The project, named REACH-PSM (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing), aims to drive sustainable energy solutions by promoting local solar manufacturing in low- and middle-income countries.

The initiative is led by Swansea University in the UK, with key participation from universities in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The consortium also includes renewable energy companies such as Kijani Testing, SLS Energy, and Hinkley Recycling, which will bring their expertise to the project.

The project’s focus is on the potential of perovskite solar technology, a more affordable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells. Perovskite solar technology consumes less energy in manufacturing and has lower costs, making it an ideal solution for addressing energy poverty in Africa.

According to Matthew Davies, the Principal Investigator for REACH-PSM and UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Technologies, the project will focus on designing the manufacturing process for a circular economy. “A key element of the project will be developing effective end-of-life treatment to minimize waste and maximize the circular flow of materials through reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of solar modules,” Davies said.

The consortium will also work on developing business models and establishing a large-scale solar cell manufacturing facility to serve the African market. The initiative is funded by the UK Department for Research and Innovation’s Ayrton Challenge programme, building on Swansea University’s ongoing projects in the renewable energy sector, such as TEA@SUNRISE, which focuses on solar panel manufacturing across Africa, Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region.

The REACH-PSM project aims to provide affordable, sustainable solar energy solutions for underserved communities, strengthening local economies and supply chains, while advancing the transition to clean energy in Africa.