To manufacture solar panels locally, Africa must first train researchers who can build and improve them.
Solar manufacturing starts with research that understands Africa’s climate, materials, and markets.
Africa imports solar panels, yet without local R&D talent, its manufacturing ambitions remain dependent and fragile.
The Fellowship Experience
The Solar Innovators Research Fellowship (SIRF), a program of Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI), is a four-month research fellowship designed to equip early-career African researchers with advanced photovoltaic (PV) R&D skills. Fellows engage in structured coursework and applied research linked to real manufacturing case studies, building the technical capacity needed to support local solar panel production across Africa.
Strengthening Africa’s capacity for local solar research, manufacturing and innovation
The Problem We Solve
Africa hosts roughly 60% of the world’s strongest solar resources yet continues to rely heavily on imported PV modules.
Many solar products entering African markets are not designed for local climate conditions or durability.
Africa’s solar policies increasingly support local manufacturing, but the research capacity required to sustain it remains limited.
Without strong photovoltaic research ecosystems, local solar manufacturing struggles to scale.
Our Solution
Design for African conditions
Build local R&D capacity
Translate research into production
Scale competitive domestic manufacturing
Programs & Benefits
Training
SIRF delivers advanced, research-driven training in photovoltaics (PV) and renewable energy systems with a focus on Africa’s manufacturing and R&D needs. The program equips fellows with:
- Technical skills in PV materials, device characterization, system performance, and modelling.
- Practical methods via recorded lab demonstrations, simulation tools, and AI-assisted workflows.
- Research methodology, scientific writing, and responsible data practices aligned with international standards.
Training is designed to strengthen Africa-based research capacity and support locally relevant, high-impact innovation.
Mentorship
SIRF provides structured mentorship linking fellows with experienced researchers and industry experts. Mentorship supports:
- Development of rigorous, context-relevant research proposals.
- Ongoing technical feedback and iterative refinement of research outputs.
- Career guidance for pathways in academia, R&D, and the renewable energy industry.
This model helps build the next generation of African scientific leaders in clean energy.
Research Access
SIRF facilitates access to the tools and instructional resources necessary for rigorous PV research in Africa. This includes:
- Recorded laboratory demonstrations and partner-shared characterization resources (where available).
- Simulation and modelling platforms for materials and system analysis.
- Structured academic review to ensure scientific quality and reproducibility.
The objective is to reduce resource gaps and strengthen technical excellence across African institutions.
Industry Exposure
SIRF connects fellows with renewable energy stakeholders operating in Africa. Opportunities include:
- Case studies and sessions with industry experts focused on African markets.
- Interaction with professionals working on grid integration, deployment, and industrial decarbonization.
- Networking with regional organisations, certification bodies, and potential collaborators.
This ensures research remains aligned with real industrial and policy challenges.
Research-to-Demonstration Pathway
As part of the WOCEWA-supported capacity initiative, feasible insights from SIRF research may inform a limited demonstration at the RETTI Solar Factory. This will involve a small pilot batch of locally assembled panels where applicable recommendations are documented. The demonstration is a separate, physical training activity delivered later in the year and is intended for learning and documentation.
Recognition & Network
- Graduates receive the Solar Innovators Scholar designation and join RETTI’s alumni network.
- Faculty may provide recommendation letters and guidance for further study or scholarships based on performance and academic readiness
Our Partners
The Solar Innovators Research Fellowship is an education and research programme run by the Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute with support from the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) and in partnership with academic institutions and private sector companies.
