Plizio Visual Lab
Rwamagana Solar Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
The Rwamagana Solar Park, also known as Gigawatt Global, was the first utility-scale solar park in East Africa upon its completion in 2014. It is located in the Eastern Province of Rwanda on the grounds of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. The park has a capacity of 8.5 MW and consists of thousands of photovoltaic panels. It increased Rwanda's national electricity generation capacity by about 6% and helps to diversify the country's energy mix, away from a heavy reliance on hydropower and diesel generators. The project is a public-private partnership and has demonstrated that large-scale solar projects are financially viable in the region. The solar park is not only an important source of energy but also a symbol of Rwanda's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. It has also contributed to rural electrification and stabilized the power supply in the surrounding region.
- Location: Rwanda
- Nearby: Rwamagana (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 93 | 89 | 145 | 167 | 127 | 42 | 26 | 47 | 86 | 125 | 157 | 103 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Rwamagana Solar Park is one of East Africa's largest solar plants, designed in the shape of the African continent. It supplies clean energy to the Rwandan grid and symbolizes the country's commitment to renewable energy.
Visiting
The solar park is not normally open to individual visitors, but guided group visits may be possible with prior arrangement. From the nearby main road, the distinctive installation with its solar panels is clearly visible.
Where to view it
The best public viewpoint is the main road passing the solar park, from where the continent-shaped arrangement of panels can be distinguished. From the surrounding hills, a bird's-eye view of the entire plant is offered.
Local products
The solar park itself does not produce sellable products but clean electricity. In Rwamagana, one finds agricultural products like rice and maize, which benefit from solar-powered irrigation.
Active season
Electricity production occurs year-round during sunshine hours, with peak yields in the dry season under clear skies. The plant is most productive in the morning and early afternoon when solar radiation is strongest.
Nearby
Combine your visit with a detour to the town of Rwamagana and its traditional market. Akagera National Park and Lake Muhazi are also within reach for a day trip.
Geography
Facts
- First utility-scale solar park in East Africa (2014).
- Capacity of 8.5 megawatts.
- Increased Rwanda's electricity generation capacity by 6%.
- Located on the grounds of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village.
- Reduces CO2 emissions by thousands of tons annually.
- Developed through a public-private partnership.
- Major step in diversifying Rwanda's energy mix.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Rwamagana Solar Park (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rwamagana Solar Park?
One of Rwanda's largest solar power plants for eco-friendly power supply.
Can it be visited?
Visible from the outside, but the interior requires permits.
Why is it important?
It significantly reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Is it touristically relevant?
It is an interesting stop for travelers interested in technology.
Where exactly is it located?
It is located near the city of Rwamagana, in the east of the country.
Rwamagana Solar Park: where is it located?
Rwamagana Solar Park is located in Rwanda.
Rwamagana Solar Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Rwamagana Solar Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Rwamagana Solar Park, also known as Gigawatt Global, was the first utility-scale solar park in East Africa upon its completion in 2014.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Rwanda →
Nearby cities
Nyagatare
The largest urban center in the northeast, characterized by cattle ranching on vast, flat savannas.
Rwamagana
The capital of the Eastern Province is characterized by a large industrial area and new solar power plants.
Ngoma
An important educational and commercial center near the Tanzanian border, surrounded by extensive banana plantations.
Kayonza
A major transport hub where the main roads to Tanzania and Uganda divide.
Nyamata
The main settlement of the Bugesera district, where a new international airport for Rwanda is being built.
🗺️
Lake Muhazi
A tranquil, narrow lake located near Kigali, popular for weekend retreats, fishing, and peaceful relaxation.
Kabarondo
This booming transit town connects travelers with the wildlife experiences in the Akagera National Park further east.
Rukara
The educational center of the Kayonza district has a teachers' college that trains teachers for all of Rwanda.
Rilima
Known for its large hospital specializing in bone surgery, in the midst of the flat landscape of Bugesera.
Kiziguro
Once the seat of historical local rulers, this place in the Gatsibo district is now known for its important district hospital.
Murambi
An agricultural stronghold in the east, whose name, although carrying a sad history, now symbolizes recovery.
Rwinkwavu
A historic tin mining center that today boasts a model hospital thanks to international support.
Gashora
This town located on Lake Mirayi is home to an exclusive girls' academy that trains young African leaders.
Rukira
A community dominated by traditional agriculture, where sorghum and beans define the image of the Eastern Province.
Nasho
Located on Lake Nasho, the city benefits from a modern solar irrigation project to increase crop yields.
History & landmarks
Nyanza Christ the King Parish
A historically significant church in Nyanza closely associated with the history of the Rwandan royal family and the Christianization of t…
King's Palace Museum Nyanza
A detailed reconstruction of the traditional royal residence in Nyanza, offering insights into the pre-colonial Rwandan monarchy.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Wisdom Butare
An impressive brick cathedral and the main religious building in Butare (Huye), the historic academic capital of Rwanda.
Ethnographic Museum
An important museum in Butare (Huye) housing one of the best ethnological collections in Central Africa on traditional Rwandan culture.
Murambi Genocide Memorial
A former technical school in southern Rwanda that became a harrowing memorial for the thousands of Tutsi massacred there in 1994.
More places
Bramin Maize Processing
An industrial agricultural facility processing maize and soybeans on a large scale.
Bugesera Industrial Park
An industrial park under construction near the new international airport.
Bugesera Tin Smelting
A facility for smelting and refining Rwandan tin ores (cassiterite) for export.
Rwesero Art Museum
Originally built as a palace for King Mutara III, the building now serves as a national art museum.
Mwima Mausoleum
The resting place of King Mutara III Rudahigwa and Queen Rosalie Gicanda, significant figures in recent history.
Rukari Ancient History Museum
This museum in Nyanza is dedicated to the history of pre-colonial Rwanda and the traditions of the kings.
King's Palace Nyanza
A reconstruction of the traditional royal palace that provides insight into the life of the Rwandan kings.
Nyanza Royal Burial Ground
A sacred place where several members of the Rwandan royal family are buried.