In 2024, an additional 20 million people gained access to energy through off-grid solar energy kits (SEKs), bringing the total number of beneficiaries of SEKs to 138 million, according to the Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report Annual Sales and Impact Data.
According to the Global Off-Grid Solar Lighting Association (GOGLA), these kits were sold by companied affiliated to the association who represent almost 30% of the total off-grid solar market. Direct ownership of SEKs is helping 6.7 million people undertake more economic activity, leading to almost $10 billion in additional income generated since 2010, it adds.
In 2024, 9.3 million SEKs—representing 85 MW newly installed capacity globally—were sold representing 4% increase over 2023, but closer to the 2022 high of 9.5 million units sold. Last year’s sales were higher in H2 than in the first half.
SEK sales in 2024 comprised 5.6 million portable solar lanterns accounting for 3% year-on-year (YoY) increase, another 11% jump with the sale of 1.9 million multi-light systems, but a YoY drop of 1% with 1.7 million solar home systems (SHS) sold.
In terms of appliances, 1.4 million solar fans were sold last year with a 9% YoY increase, while there was 35% drop in the purchase of refrigeration units. Another 45% YoY decline was experienced in the sale of televisions as companies sold 239,000 sets. Solar water pump sales were reported as 291,000.
The report writers collected data for walk-in coldrooms for the 1st time and found 576 units were sold last year.
East Africa led the sales drive last year with strong increases reported in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania and Zambia. However, sales in the West African market went down by 33% YoY owing mainly to Nigeria that experienced devaluation of the local currency, high inflation and early end of subsidy under the Nigeria Electrification Program (NEP).
The interest in off-grid solutions rides high above negative macroeconomic factors like high inflation and climate emergencies, point out the report writers.
“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,” said GOGLA Executive Director Sarah Malm. “There is a clear need for long-term clarity and certainty when Results-Based Financing subsidies are implemented.”
The complete report is available for free download on GOGLA’s website. It is backed by the Energy Saving Trust, co-Secretariat of Efficiency for Access, and funding from the IKEA Foundation, TEA and the World Bank Group’s ESMAP.
Earlier in an April 2025 report, GOGLA said that global off-grid solar investments dropped 30% YoY in 2024 to $300 million (see 2024 Off-Grid Solar Funding Fell 30 Percent To $300 Million).
