20 million people improved their energy access through off-grid solar in 2024, according to the new Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report
The latest Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report published by GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar industry, with support from Energy Saving Trust, co-Secretariat of Efficiency for Access, and funding from the IKEA Foundation, TEA and the World Bank Group’s ESMAP, shows that 20 million people improved their access to energy through solar energy kits sold by GOGLA-affiliated companies in 2024.
Cumulatively that takes the total number of people benefitting from improved energy access through solar energy kits sold by affiliates to 138 million, boosting economic opportunity across rural and peri-urban communities: 6.7 million people are undertaking more economic activity as a direct result of owning an off-grid solar energy kit, resulting in almost $10 billion in additional income generated since 2010.
Demand for off-grid solutions remains high despite negative macroeconomic factors like high inflation and climate emergencies, and it is considered the most cost-effective way to power almost half of the new connections under Mission 300.
GOGLA affiliates represent leading off-grid solar and energy-efficient appliance companies that cover almost 30% of the total off-grid solar market.
Despite continued headwinds, the off-grid solar industry is proving resilient, particularly in East Africa. However, affordability remains a key challenge. To address this, data shows that subsidies are game changers to accelerate access. There is a clear need for long-term clarity and certainty when Results-Based Financing subsidies are implemented.Sarah Malm, Executive Director of GOGLA
The annual Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report provides the industry with the latest market trends to make evidence-based decisions related to solar energy kits and energy-efficient appliances, including solar-powered walk-in cold rooms for the first time. We are calling on off-grid solar companies and appliance innovators to share their sales data with GOGLA. Your insights lead to better decisions and bigger impact.Jakub Vrba, Senior Research Lead at Energy Saving Trust, co-secretariat of Efficiency for Access
- Today, 138 million people benefit from improved access to electricity by using a solar energy kit (SEK) sold by GOGLA affiliates.
- The economic impact for millions of low-income households has been $26.6 billion since 2010, when combining income opportunities and savings generated by off-grid solar kits.
- 9.3 million solar energy kits were sold in 2024, slightly higher than 2023 yet lower than the peak recorded in 2022, with growth driven by East Africa.
- Global sales of appliances reached 1.98 million units in 2024, showing a slight decrease with the exception of fan sales in Asia. TV sales decreased by 45%, mainly driven by a slowdown in Kenya and Nigeria.
- Two new products were tracked in this data collection in 2024: over 48.000 solar generator sales and 576 walk-in cold rooms.
* You can access the full Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report Annual Sales and Impact Data here.
GOGLA is the global association for the off-grid solar energy industry. Our 200+ members provide millions of low-income and climate-vulnerable people with affordable, high-quality products and services; rapidly increasing customers’ productivity, connectivity, and resilience.
To enable sustainable businesses and accelerate energy access, we provide market insights, standards and best practice, and advocate for catalytic policies, programmes and investment. Working with partners, our pioneering industry can improve the lives of 1 billion people by 2030.
To find out more, visit www.gogla.org.
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