Solar panel maker to power DRC firms

JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd, the world's biggest solar panel producer by shipments, plans to deliver high-efficiency modules to power the Manono project, Africa's largest full off-grid solar power plant, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The off-grid project, consisting of 1 megawatts of solar power generation and 3 MW of power storage, will help meet the on-peak demand of nearby mining companies and reduce local diesel consumption substantially, while reducing carbon emissions by 1,200 metric tons each year, the company said.

The local mining companies used to use diesel, which is more expensive. The solar power generating and storage solutions will slash costs by half while ensuring 24-hour power supply.