• Morocco could generate up to 66.8 TWh of electricity per year from rooftop solar installations.

• This capacity could cover 98% of the charging needs for 2.5 million electric vehicles by 2035.

• The study calls for clearer regulations to accelerate solar self-production and EV integration.

A new study by the think tank Imal Initiative for Climate and Development, published on November 3, highlights Morocco’s vast potential for decentralized solar power as part of its energy transition. The report estimates that rooftop solar could produce up to 66.8 TWh of electricity annually, representing a total potential capacity of 28.6 GW.

According to the authors, this solar potential could support the country’s electric mobility ambitions as Morocco targets 2.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035. The study estimates that this fleet would provide a mobile storage capacity of 39,420 GWh, equivalent to 98% of the projected charging needs of 40,147 GWh and 91% of the country’s projected total electricity demand of 43,145 GWh for the same year.

The report is based on a mapping of available rooftop surfaces across Morocco’s 12 regions. It models three potential scenarios: an optimistic one with 28.58 GW, a medium case with 17.15 GW, and a conservative one with 8.57 GW. In each case, the findings point to a substantial opportunity for decentralized solar generation that Morocco could leverage.

The key challenge now lies in how to harness this potential effectively. The study recommends enforcing Law No. 82-21 on self-production, publishing decrees on bidirectional metering and compensation tariffs, and clarifying the regulatory framework to enable solar power production dedicated to EV charging.

Beyond regulatory issues, coupling distributed solar with electric mobility carries strategic importance. According to the Ministry of Energy Transition, this approach aligns with Morocco’s goal to raise renewable energy to 52% of its power mix by 2030.

In this context, decentralized solar energy could become a key driver of energy security, potentially avoiding up to 48 million tons of CO₂ emissions in its most ambitious scenario. The study also estimates that the sector could create around 43,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2035, supporting local economic development.

However, realizing this vision will require structural transformation. Morocco must modernize its power infrastructure, diversify funding sources, and secure technological choices to advance its energy transition. Delays in some major solar projects, caused by technological disagreements, underscore the need for clear governance and consistent industrial policies to ensure long-term success.