Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Off-grid solar is the cheapest electricity option for 398 million people
The World Bank says off-grid solar is the cheapest way to bring electricity to at least 398 million people who still lack power.
These systems include solar home kits, lanterns, water pumps and generators, and now serve households, businesses and factories.
A joint report says 95% of surveyed customers still had working solar home systems after four years, showing that the technology can last beyond its earlier role as a temporary fix until grid power arrives.
Reaching the people who still lack reliable electricity will require $11.4 billion from 2027 to 2030, including grants, subsidies and private financing.
The systems also support livelihoods: 7.4 million people use off-grid solar to earn income, and the report estimates $28 billion in extra income and savings over 15 years.
Adoption is uneven, with Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia accounting for 47% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s solar home system sales in 2025, while many markets in West and Central Africa are not growing.
High upfront costs still put solar systems beyond many poorer households, so funding and affordability support will be important to expand access.
A World Bank-backed report says off-grid solar is the cheapest way to provide electricity to at least 398 million people who still lack access.
The report, released by the World Bank’s ESMAP and industry association GOGLA, treats off-grid solar as permanent infrastructure rather than a temporary step before grid connections arrive.
It estimates that providing reliable off-grid electricity to those people will require $11.4 billion between 2027 and 2030.
The number of people using off-grid solar products rose by 26% over the past two years, reaching 149 million.
High upfront costs remain a major barrier, with about a third of unelectrified households unable to afford an entry-level pay-as-you-go system.
- Who
- At least 398 million people who still lack electricity could be served by off-grid solar.
- What
- A World Bank-backed report ranks off-grid solar as the cheapest option for bringing them electricity.
- When
- The report was released this week. It estimates the required investment for 2027 to 2030.
- Where
- Worldwide; the report also discusses uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Why
- Falling solar costs have improved the economics of energy access, while grid connections have not reached these people.
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Full-time employment in the companies tracked by GOGLA rose 29%.
The number of people using off-grid solar products increased by 26%, from 118 million to 149 million.
The World Bank’s ESMAP and GOGLA released their report on off-grid solar.
The report estimates that $11.4 billion will be needed to provide reliable off-grid electricity to 398 million people.
- People needing electricity
- At least 398 million
- Estimated investment
- $11.4 billion between 2027 and 2030
- Off-grid solar users
- 149 million, up from 118 million
- Surveyed systems still working
- 95% after four or more years
- GOGLA-tracked jobs
- 219,000