About Us
Advancing cutting-edge solar research by empowering the next generation of innovators, scientists, and clean energy leaders.
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
We support applied research that produces solar products tuned for local climates and durability.
Build local R&D capacity
We train early career researchers and engineers in manufacturable research methods, lab protocols and scale-aware design so local teams can develop and sustain advanced PV know-how.
Translate research into production
Through technical mentorship, partner testing and the research-to-demonstration pathway, SIRF moves validated ideas into prototype assembly and factory trials so manufacturers can adopt them quickly.
Scale competitive domestic manufacturing
We connect research outputs with manufacturers, policy makers and funders to reduce import dependence and grow resilient local solar supply chains.
Strengthening Africa’s capacity for local solar research, manufacturing and innovation
Our Vision
A robust African solar R&D ecosystem capable of designing, testing, and improving PV technologies for local manufacturing and long-term energy resilience.
Our Mission
To train and connect African researchers who can translate scientific research into practical insights that strengthen solar manufacturing capacity across the continent.
Our team brings decades of experience in energy research and transformation
The fellowship brings together senior academics, industry engineers and research leaders with proven track records in photovoltaic science and manufacturing. Modules are taught by visiting professors and experienced practitioners from partner universities and companies, together with RETTI’s in-house R&D team led by PhD researchers and postdoctoral staff.
Glory Oguegbu
Program Lead
Founder and CEO of RETTI, leading clean energy workforce development and solar manufacturing initiatives in Africa
Engr. Fatima Elfatouaki (Ph.D)
Program Coordinator, SIRF
Director, Solar Perovskite Cells Applications at RETTI R&D, coordinating program delivery and research supervision.
Engr. Emmanuel Aremu (Ph.D)
Academic Lead, SIRF
Head of RETTI Research and Development, overseeing academic quality, research design, and final technical review.
Engr. Ngagoum Ndalloka Zita (PhD candidate)
Program Faculty & Academic Advisor
Doctoral researcher in Energy Engineering, contributing to reliability, circularity, and technical review.
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.
