- Sales volumes are almost back to pre-COVID19 levels but greater support for the sector is still needed to meet SDG7 electrification targets.
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.
- 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.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
