The global off-grid solar sector reached a historic milestone in 2025, with GOGLA affiliates selling over 10.2 million solar energy kits. This 10% year-on-year increase highlights the growing reach of solar home systems and multi-light solutions, which now support more than 148 million people worldwide. While the industry is expanding its customer base and enabling significant economic activity, experts warn that restricted access to capital continues to hinder the deployment speeds necessary to meet international energy access targets. Despite this, pay-as-you-go financing has surged, now matching traditional cash sales for the first time in the industry’s history.
The industry’s growth was largely fueled by strong demand for solar home systems, which saw a 48% increase, and multi-light systems, which grew by 36%. These gains helped offset declines in other categories, such as solar lanterns and solar generators. Beyond basic lighting, the sector also provided 1.83 million off-grid appliances, including televisions and fans, to households and farms. Notably, 645,000 additional households and agricultural operations began utilizing solar water pumps and refrigeration units, contributing to the estimated $10.95 billion in additional income generated by customers through off-grid solar ownership since 2010.
Regional performance varied significantly throughout the year. Sub-Saharan Africa emerged as a primary growth engine, with sales rising 15% over 2024 figures. Kenya maintained its position as a leading market, while West Africa saw a 26% increase, bolstered by Nigeria’s market recovery and the implementation of the World Bank-backed DARES program. Conversely, South Asia experienced a downturn as grid electrification expanded in India and Bangladesh, leading to a sharp decline in regional solar energy kit sales.
Market dynamics are also shifting toward consolidation, as larger brands capture greater market share through mergers and acquisitions. The rise of pay-as-you-go models, which grew by 48% to reach 5.11 million units, has become a critical driver for accessibility. However, GOGLA emphasizes that current deployment rates remain insufficient to satisfy the goals of Mission 300 and broader Sustainable Development Goal 7. To bridge this gap, the organization is calling for increased collaboration between governments and financiers to integrate off-grid solar solutions more effectively into national energy and investment strategies.