GOGLA Members Achieve Record 10 Million Off-Grid Solar Kit Sales In 2025, Expanding Energy Access Worldwide – Report

The global off-grid solar industry recorded its strongest performance ever in 2025, according to the latest Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report released by GOGLA. Companies affiliated with GOGLA sold more than 10 million solar energy kits during the year, marking the highest annual sales figure on record. The achievement represents an increase of approximately 10 percent compared to 2024 and highlights the growing role of off-grid solar solutions in expanding electricity access across underserved regions.

The report states that GOGLA member companies now provide clean and affordable energy access to nearly 150 million people worldwide. In 2025 alone, an additional 11 million people gained access to energy through these solutions. The strong sales performance demonstrates how off-grid solar technologies are becoming an important part of national electrification efforts, particularly in remote and last-mile communities where access to conventional grid infrastructure remains limited.

Growth in the sector was largely driven by rising consumer demand in key markets, particularly in East Africa and Nigeria, which emerged as leading regions for off-grid solar sales. The report notes that government subsidies, results-based financing (RBF) programmes, and expanded consumer financing options played a major role in supporting market growth. These financial support mechanisms helped make solar products more affordable for consumers and encouraged wider adoption.

Sales through pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) financing models increased significantly, rising by nearly 50 percent during the year. Among the various product categories, solar home systems recorded one of the strongest performances, with sales increasing by 48 percent year-on-year to reach 2.52 million units. Multi-light systems also showed strong growth, with 2.65 million units sold, representing a 36 percent increase compared to the previous year. In addition, global sales of off-grid appliances reached 1.83 million units.

Despite these positive developments, the report highlights several challenges facing the industry. While current deployment levels are helping millions of people gain access to electricity, they remain below the levels needed to fully meet national electrification targets and the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

The report also points out that much of the recent growth has been concentrated in markets supported by subsidies and is dominated by a small number of large companies. This raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the sector once external financial support is reduced or withdrawn. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which are often critical for reaching remote communities, continue to face difficulties in accessing finance and expanding their operations. Funding challenges also remain for locally-led and women-led businesses.

GOGLA and its partners are calling for a shift away from short-term subsidy-driven growth cycles and toward more coordinated, market-building approaches. They believe that integrating off-grid solar more deeply into national energy strategies and investment plans can help attract long-term private investment and create a more resilient industry. Currently, off-grid solar solutions improve the lives of more than 560 million people worldwide by providing energy for homes, farms, schools, and healthcare facilities. With stronger policy support and coordinated investment, the sector aims to reach its long-term goal of powering one billion lives globally.