A record 20 million people improved their access to energy in 2024 thanks to solar energy kits sold by companies affiliated with GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar industry, according to the latest Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report.
The milestone, achieved with support from Energy Saving Trust, the Efficiency for Access coalition, and funding partners including the IKEA Foundation, TEA, and the World Bank Group’s ESMAP, brings the cumulative total of people benefitting from these kits to 138 million worldwide.
The report highlights the transformative impact of off-grid solar on rural and peri-urban communities, with 6.7 million people engaging in increased economic activity directly due to owning a solar energy kit.
This surge has generated nearly $10 billion in additional income since 2010, underscoring the sector’s role in boosting livelihoods and economic opportunity.
Despite persistent macroeconomic challenges such as high inflation and climate emergencies, demand for off-grid solar solutions remains robust.
The technology is now recognised as the most cost-effective way to provide nearly half of all new energy connections under initiatives like Mission 300, which aims to accelerate universal energy access.
GOGLA-affiliated companies, which account for almost 30 per cent of the global off-grid solar market, have been at the forefront of this progress, particularly in East Africa where sales have surged.
However, affordability continues to be a barrier for many potential users. Sarah Malm, Executive Director of GOGLA, said: “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.”
The report also marks the first inclusion of market data on solar-powered walk-in cold rooms, reflecting the sector’s expanding focus on energy-efficient appliances.
Jakub Vrba, Senior Research Lead at Energy Saving Trust, co-secretariat of Efficiency for Access, urged industry collaboration: “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.”
With over 560 million people globally already benefiting from off-grid solar solutions, the sector’s resilience and innovation are seen as critical to achieving universal energy access and supporting sustainable development goals by 2030.
