Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report shows 25% sales growth for solar energy kits versus first half of 2021

Amsterdam, 2 November 2022

The latest semi-annual Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report shows that GOGLA affiliates sold 4.33 million solar energy kits, a 25% increase compared to a year ago. Sales of key appliances are also higher than in previous reporting rounds, reflecting both market trends and growing participation in data collection. However, the prolonged fall in sales volumes in 2020 and 2021 caused by COVID-19, and the long-term impacts of the pandemic and other macroeconomic shocks, means that significant challenges remain in meeting universal electricity access. 

The report was just published by GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar industry with support from Efficiency for Access and the World Bank Group’s Lighting Global Program, with data from January to June of 2022.  

Key takeaways:

• Today, more than 100 million people are benefiting from improved access to energy through off-grid solar energy kits reported by GOGLA affiliates, which represent 28% of the global market. Since 2018, 20 million have benefitted from improved access to appliances sold by affiliates.

• Sales of fans, refrigeration units and solar water pumps grew compared to the previous reporting round, while TV sales continued to decline. 

• Solar energy kit sales in East Africa grew by 8% versus the second half of 2021 due to sales accelerating in Kenya, Ethiopia and Zambia.

• Nigeria continues to drive growth in West Africa, becoming the second largest market for solar energy kits worldwide.

• West Africa has overtaken East Africa as the largest regional market for appliances.

• As a result of new research, it was possible to include impact estimates for solar-powered water pumps and refrigeration units in the report for the first time. 

• Over 270,00 people are benefiting from improved agricultural outcomes or access to water due to solar water pumps sold by affiliates. 

• More than 100,000 people now have access to solar-powered refrigeration, which leads to reduced food wastage and improved food security. 

* You can access the full Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report Semi-Annual Sales and Impact Data January-June 2022 here. Data included in the report is only for GOGLA affiliates; it doesn’t cover the whole off-grid solar market. 

About GOGLA

GOGLA is the global association for the off-grid solar energy industry. We are proud to champion one of the world’s most innovative and impactful sectors. Hundreds of millions of people already benefit from affordable, high-quality, clean off-grid solar products and services. 

With the right support, our pioneering industry will be able to scale up rapidly to improve the lives of 1 billion people by 2030. To help make this happen, we promote, safeguard, and convene the industry, advocating for enabling policies and increased investment as well as supporting our 200+ members with effective services. 

To find out more, visit www.gogla.org.

About Lighting Global

Lighting Global is the World Bank Group’s initiative to rapidly increase access to off-grid solar energy for the 733 million people living without electricity world-wide. Managed by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), we work with governments, the private sector, development partners, and end-users, continually innovating to unlock key market barriers and enable access and affordability to those that would otherwise be left behind. Our support has expanded to technologies that go far beyond lighting, including systems to power the needs of households, businesses, schools, and health centers. We operate with funding gratefully acknowledged from ESMAP and their donors.

For more information, please visit www.lightingglobal.org

About Efficiency for Access 

Efficiency for Access is a global coalition working to promote high performing appliances that enable access to clean energy for the world’s poorest people. It is a catalyst for change, accelerating the growth of off-grid appliance markets to boost incomes, reduce carbon emissions, improve quality of life, and support sustainable development. Efficiency for Access consists of 20 Donor Roundtable Members, 19 Programme Partners, and more than 30 Investor Network members.

Current Efficiency for Access Coalition members have programmes and initiatives spanning 62 countries and 34 key technologies. The Efficiency for Access Coalition is coordinated jointly by CLASP, an international appliance energy efficiency and market development specialist not-for-profit organisation, and UK’s Energy Saving Trust, which specialises in energy efficiency product verification, data and insight, advice, and research.

For more information, please visit www.efficiencyforaccess.org