Off-Grid PV Systems

Off-Grid PV Systems

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Off-Grid PV Systems

Country
Sector
Most major industry classification systems use sources of revenue as their basis for classifying companies into specific sectors, subsectors and industries. In order to group like companies based on their sustainability-related risks and opportunities, SASB created the Sustainable Industry Classification System® (SICS®) and the classification of sectors, subsectors and industries in the SDG Investor Platform is based on SICS.
Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy
Sub Sector
Most major industry classification systems use sources of revenue as their basis for classifying companies into specific sectors, subsectors and industries. In order to group like companies based on their sustainability-related risks and opportunities, SASB created the Sustainable Industry Classification System® (SICS®) and the classification of sectors, subsectors and industries in the SDG Investor Platform is based on SICS.
Alternative Energy
Indicative Return
Describes the rate of growth an investment is expected to generate within the IOA. The indicative return is identified for the IOA by establishing its Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return of Investment (ROI) or Gross Profit Margin (GPM).
10% - 15% (in IRR)
Investment Timeframe
Describes the time period in which the IOA will pay-back the invested resources. The estimate is based on asset expected lifetime as the IOA will start generating accumulated positive cash-flows.
Medium Term (5–10 years)
Market Size
Describes the value of potential addressable market of the IOA. The market size is identified for the IOA by establishing the value in USD, identifying the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) or providing a numeric unit critical to the IOA.
30% of Outer Islands
Average Ticket Size (USD)
Describes the USD amount for a typical investment required in the IOA.
USD 1 million - USD 10 million
Direct Impact
Describes the primary SDG(s) the IOA addresses.
Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) Climate Action (SDG 13)
Indirect Impact
Describes the secondary SDG(s) the IOA addresses.
Gender Equality (SDG 5) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

Business Model Description

Develop off-grid solar PV installations in Outer Islands or remote areas to generate electricity for the use of hotels, and key infrastructure operations, including desalination and water treatment plants, small businesses, and households. In Outer Islands and Silhouette work in partnership with Island Development Company (IDC) which is responsible for the management and development of 14 islands and applies a one-resort-one-island strategy, mostly delineating a single large customer in each island. In islands with Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) grid access, work as an Independent Power Producer (IPP) based on the distance from the power plants and land availability. Use solar PV-diesel hybrid systems to overcome interruption issues caused by occasional cloudy weather.

Expected Impact

Complete decarbonization of energy supply in remote islands, power critical infrastructure, and benefit resorts and small enterprises with reduced costs and modern infrastructure.

How is this information gathered?

Investment opportunities with potential to contribute to sustainable development are based on country-level SDG Investor Maps.

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Country & Regions

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Country
Region
  • Outer Islands
  • Praslin
  • La Digue
  • Rural Mahé
  • Silhouette
Learn more

Sector Classification

Situate the investment opportunity within sustainability focused sector, subsector and industry classifications.
Sector

Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy

Development need
Seychelles' energy supply is generated from imported fossil fuels, accounting for about 25% of the country's total net imports. Therefore, securing energy supply and price stability is intrinsically bound to the cost of fuel, pressure on the national budget and foreign debt sustainability. In addition, 95% of the country's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from the energy sector (1, 2, 3).

Policy priority
Seychelles' updated 2021 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets are 15.5% energy efficiency and 15% renewable share in national electricity production by 2030. Seychelles' 100% Renewable Energy Strategy foresees full energy sector decarbonization by 2050. NDC includes 293,8 ktCO2e economy-wide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (1, 4).

Gender inequalities and marginalization issues
In Seychelles, more than half of the households are headed by females. Poverty Profiling 2017/2018 by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that households with lone women (living out of union) at the head, aged 25 to 62, are more likely to be affected by income poverty. Hence, energy security in terms of affordability and continued access remains crucial for women's perception of safety and livelihood (5, 6).

Investment opportunities Introduction
Seychelles consistently ranks among the top three countries in Africa regarding governance and the top ten in foundations for economic opportunity. Reliability of the supply of electricity and the off-taker enhance solar energy use as Mahé alone has the theoretical potential to supply 125MW of solar energy through rooftop installations (12, 15).

Key bottlenecks Introduction
Isolated and limited land capacity for large-scale ground installations, insufficient number of the local workforce and technical experts for growing sector needs, hardship in access to blended and concessional financing, sector's highly political and regulated image, subsidized tariff scheme and cap in production of grid-connected energy are main bottlenecks (16).

Sub Sector

Alternative Energy

Development need
In Seychelles, with universal access to electricity, only up to 5% of energy needs are supplied by renewable resources, accentuating the need for improving national energy security, meeting the rising demand, targeting subregional disparities in energy infrastructure, and reducing transport and tourism-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (1, 8).

Policy priority
Seychelles Vision 2033 and National Development Strategy 2019-2023, strategize environmental sustainability and energy security in the country, as energy imports account for 12% of the total government budget annually. The targets share of renewable energy in electricity supply is 15% by 2030, according to Seychelles' updated 2021 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (4, 9, 10).

Gender inequalities and marginalization issues
In Seychelles, parastatals are the main employer in the energy sector, including electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, with a higher share of the expatriate male workforce, which might undermine the participation of local female workforce in the renewable energy sector. Subregional storage and battery investments are required as 90% of the nation's population live in three main inner islands with grid connectivity (3, 11).

Investment opportunities introduction
Seychelles Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programme (SEEREP) financing, net-metering programme by Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) and tax incentives promote alternative energy development with adequate land use as in the case of rooftop and floating PV systems in land-scarce Inner Islands and off-grid solution in outer islands (13, 14).

Key bottlenecks introduction
In grid-connected areas, dominant roofing structure, steep and made from corrugated iron sheets, voltage fluctuations, which affect the inverter, and subsidized household tariffs constrain private-led investments. The high cost of finance and battery investments, especially in Outer Islands, limited incentives, and equipment costs limit the scale of implementations (16).

Industry

Solar Technology and Project Developers

Pipeline Opportunity

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Investment Opportunity Area

Off-Grid PV Systems

Business Model

Develop off-grid solar PV installations in Outer Islands or remote areas to generate electricity for the use of hotels, and key infrastructure operations, including desalination and water treatment plants, small businesses, and households. In Outer Islands and Silhouette work in partnership with Island Development Company (IDC) which is responsible for the management and development of 14 islands and applies a one-resort-one-island strategy, mostly delineating a single large customer in each island. In islands with Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) grid access, work as an Independent Power Producer (IPP) based on the distance from the power plants and land availability. Use solar PV-diesel hybrid systems to overcome interruption issues caused by occasional cloudy weather.

Business Case

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Market Size and Environment

Critical IOA Unit
Describes a complementary market sizing measure exemplifying the opportunities with the IOA.

30% of Outer Islands

Fourteen islands managed by the Islands Development Company (IDC) that are not linked to the national grid are scheduled to be powered by off-grid solar energy in 2022, while four of them, Desroches, Alphonse, Astove, and Farquhar, are currently solar-powered (17, 20).

Several projects have been proposed to expand small off-grid solar power stations. The projects include a USD 4.6 million financing support announced by the Chinese government for such investments in remote areas of the Inner Islands, such as Curieuse Island, located one kilometre north of Seychelles' second largest island, Praslin (21).

Indicative Return

IRR
Describes an expected annual rate of growth of the IOA investment.

10% - 15%

Investments in off-grid solar hybrid systems are expected to generate a return in eight years based on a feasibility study for a 5.2 MW solar farm with a project cost of about USD 5.4 million in Seychelles (22).

Investment Timeframe

Timeframe
Describes the time period in which the IOA will pay-back the invested resources. The estimate is based on asset expected lifetime as the IOA will start generating accumulated positive cash-flows.

Medium Term (5–10 years)

Investments in off-grid solar hybrid systems are expected to generate a return in eight years based on a feasibility study for a 5.2 MW solar farm with a project cost of about USD 5.4 million in Seychelles (22).

Ticket Size

Average Ticket Size (USD)
Describes the USD amount for a typical investment required in the IOA.

USD 1 million - USD 10 million

Market Risks & Scale Obstacles

Market - Highly Regulated

Islands Development Company (IDC) is given the electricity generation and distribution mandate in Outer Islands (20). Although its corporate visibility has improved concerning financial disclosure, it is under public scrutiny for transparency-related issues in project design (36).

Business - Supply Chain Constraints

Supplying the necessary equipment and talent for the maintenance of solar projects in the Outer Islands or remote regions might be costly and subject to delays, given the limited number of skilled labour and suppliers in the country's renewable energy sector.

Impact Case

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Sustainable Development Need

Seychelles consists of 115 islands, some of which have a distance of more than 1000 km from its capital Victoria. The main source of energy is imported diesel fuel which is transported to islands to be used in generators emitting high levels of carbon and involving a high risk of marine pollution (1).

High electricity and fuel costs impede growth and business operations in Seychelles, aggravated by global price volatility and supply disruptions (29).

Gender & Marginalisation

Gender-sensitive and island-specific data lacks various indicators. The livelihood of small communities on islands, where the population is as low as a few households or several hundreds of people, depends on their access to and ability to afford basic needs.

Expected Development Outcome

Off-grid solar systems in remote areas increase energy security and reduce carbon emissions and threats to the environment posed by the use and transport of diesel.

Islands, where off-grid solar systems are installed, contribute to Seychelles' goal of achieving a 15% renewable share by 2030 and price and supply stability, reducing dependency on imported diesel and supporting business growth.

Gender & Marginalisation

Although gender-sensitive data are lacking for most of the Outer Islands and remote islands within the Inner Islands, improved access to clean energy contributes to the livelihood of small communities in terms of reliable access to energy and small business operations.

Primary SDGs addressed

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

7.1.2 Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology

7.a.1 International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development and renewable energy production, including in hybrid systems

7.2.1 Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption

Current Value

Not defined at national level. More than 90% in Outer Islands where off-grid solar PV systems have been installed (17, 20).

An envolope of USD 11 million will be dedicated through international flows to renewable energy techonologies in Seychelles (21).

1.99% in 2019 (1).

Target Value

Regional strategy includes powering all 14 islands under Islands Development Company (IDC) management to run by solar energy in 2022 (20).

N/A

15% by 2030 (4).

Climate Action (SDG 13)
13 - Climate Action

13.2.2 Total greenhouse gas emissions per year

Current Value

790 ktCO2e in 2019 (24).

Target Value

Reduction in total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 293.8 ktCO2e in 2030 (26.4%) compared to business as usual (BAU) scenario (4).

Secondary SDGs addressed

Gender Equality (SDG 5)
5 - Gender Equality
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

Directly impacted stakeholders

People

Inhabitants of remote islands whose numbers may range from a few people to several hundred benefits from clean and reliable energy.

Gender inequality and/or marginalization

Households headed by single women, most vulnerable to income poverty, benefit from reduced energy costs.

Planet

Marine and land ecosystems in Seychelles, part of a biodiversity hotspot in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, benefit from reduced carbon emissions and risk of pollution from diesel fuel transportation and use.

Corporates

Hotels, the main consumers in remote islands, and small businesses benefit from environment-friendly and cheaper energy access. Solar component manufacturers and equipment suppliers increase business operations and revenue.

Public sector

Increased clean energy generation contributes to the government's 100% renewable energy target by 2050 and 293.8 ktCO2e greenhouse gas reduction in 2030. Islands Development Company (IDC) achieves the target of powering all Outer Islands with clean energy.

Indirectly impacted stakeholders

People

Improved energy access may offer new employment opportunities and enhanced connectivity with the larger islands.

Planet

Research centres and conservation works benefit from affordable and clean access to energy in remote islands.

Corporates

Industry other than tourism, such as agriculture, may flourish in the Outer Islands, benefitting from improved energy generation. Solar project consultants and intermediaries benefit from a growing business.

Public sector

Public sector may increase the public service range in the Outer Islands.

Outcome Risks

Rooftop PV technologies are foreign-dependent. Therefore, expanding such facilities without improving local technology may increase dependence on imports and deteriorate the trade balance.

Lacking adequate infrastructure to recycle end-of-life solar panels may exacerbate risks associated with the export of waste, such as soil contamination and illegal dumping of hazardous waste.

80% of the employed in the electricity sector are male. New investments may exacerbate the issue if gender balance is not accounted for (25).

Impact Risks

Tariffs may increase if the maintenance and installation costs rise, impeding access or costing a significant portion of the budget of low-income households.

The high cost of rooftop PV technologies may be unaffordable for lower-income households, exacerbating inequalities in access to energy.

Impact Classification

C—Contribute to Solutions

What

The build-up of off-grid systems improves access to clean energy for remote islands and locations without a grid connection, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on diesel fuel imports.

Who

Small businesses, communities in remote islands and the island hospitality sector benefit from increased access to clean, reliable and affordable energy sources.

Risk

PV technologies and their maintenance may be too expensive for lower-income groups, exacerbating inequalities in access to clean energy.

Contribution

Off-grid solar PV systems replace diesel fuel generators in remote and rural areas, which are otherwise the main power source in small islands.

How Much

The provision of off-grid solar technologies benefits islands where they power more than 90% of the electricity needs by decreasing more than 80% of their diesel fuel dependency (23).

Impact Thesis

Complete decarbonization of energy supply in remote islands, power critical infrastructure, and benefit resorts and small enterprises with reduced costs and modern infrastructure.

Enabling Environment

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Policy Environment

Seychelles Energy Policy, 2010-2030: sets the long term energy strategy of the country which includes target of supplying 5% of Seychelles' energy from renewable sources by 2020, 15% by 2030 and 100% in the long term (2).

Seychelles’ Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), 2021: maintains the power sector targets from the previous NDC, including 15% energy efficiency improvement and powering 15% of the national mix by renewable sources in 2030 (4).

Seychelles Vision 2033: the long-term national vision, envisages that the country's energy needs will be provided by renewable energy and efficient technologies (9).

Seychelles National Development Strategy (NDS), 2019-2023: focuses on using renewable energy to achieve targets of energy security and economic resilience (10).

Islands Development Company (IDC) The Third Outer Island Development Plan 2018-2023: entails the strategic objective of introducing renewable energy projects and hybrid systems, where applicable, to promote environmental and sustainable principles in island development (26).

Reserved Economic Activities Policy, April 2020: ensures that certain economic activities that are doable and affordable to the Seychellois investors and businesses shall remain reserved for them; the list includes electrical contractors, land surveyors, and landscaping services (34).

Financial Environment

Financial incentives: Seychelles Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Programme (SEEREP) was initiated in 2014, offering a subsidized loan for renewable energy investments of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and households (37).

Fiscal incentives: Imported renewable energy-related commodities, including imported solar panels, are exempt from goods and services tax (30).  

Regulatory Environment

Seychelles Energy Act, 2012: provides the legal basis for development and utilization of energy resources in Seychelles, functions of the regulator, Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC), establishment of Seychelles Energy Board, and the tendering procedure for independent power producers (IPPs) (27).

Seychelles Companies Act, 1972: provided the legal basis for creating the Island Development Company (IDC) in 1980 (20).

Seychelles Investment Act, 2010: broadly defines investment and investor’s nationality - based on citizenship or the level of control- and makes all foreign investments subject to screening by Seychelles Investment Board (SIB), giving the latter a business facilitation role (30, 31, 32).

Seychelles Meteorology Act, 2015 establishes the Seychelles Meteorological Authority, which provides forecasts for weather and climate phenomena and monitors climate change (33).

S.I. 76. - Seychelles Investment (Economic Activities) Regulations, 2022: lists engineering (design) services, in particular for mechanical and electrical installations for buildings as an activity a non-Seychellois may invest in with the requirement to conduct an Economic Needs Test (ENT) (35).

Marketplace Participants

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Private Sector

Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS), Mettle Solar Investments, Sun Tech Seychelles, Energy Solutions Seychelles (ESS), VetiverTech.

Government

The Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Public Utilities Corporation (PUC), Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC), The Seychelles Investment Board (SIB), Islands Development Company (IDC).

Multilaterals

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Institute for Environmental Analytics (IEA), African Legal Support Facility (ALSF).

Non-Profit

Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S), University of Seychelles (UniSey), Clinton Foundation.

Target Locations

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country static map
rural

Outer Islands

Outer Islands are far-flung from Seychelles' national capital Victoria and depend on providing localized utility services for electricity supply and distribution, managed by Islands Development Company (IDC).
semi-urban

Praslin

Although connected to the national grid, islands off the coast of Praslin, such as Curieuse island, may develop their off-grid systems for renewable energy generation.
rural

La Digue

La Digue is connected to the grid through undersea cables from Praslin and, subject to power failures, may look for off-grid solar PV installations to generate electricity to be used in key infrastructure operations such as desalination plants.
semi-urban

Rural Mahé

Large tourism establishments in Mahé, the most populated island in Seychelles, may consider off-grid solar systems complemented with diesel, on cloudy days, for powering the operations. Rural Mahé is also home to the island's largest hotel, which has a 400-ha area (28).
rural

Silhouette

An Inner Island in geographical terms and connected to the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) grid, Silhouette is managed by the Islands Development Company (IDC). It may complete its decarbonization through off-grid solar systems.

References

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