A recent study conducted in rural Ghana has shown that tiny solar-plus-battery kits provide significant savings for households without electricity. On average, these kits save families around $70 per year, which surpasses the initial cost of the kits themselves, typically priced at around $51. The solar kits, which include a solar panel, light bulbs, and a battery for charging mobile devices, were distributed for free to 800 households as part of a research initiative led by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Elumis Foundation. The findings highlighted that households benefited from reduced energy expenses and increased opportunities for children’s education, as those with solar lighting studied more and performed better in school.
Furthermore, the study underscores the potential of off-grid solutions as a practical response to electricity access challenges faced by a significant portion of the global population. Researchers noted that while more expensive solar home systems yield higher benefits, even simpler solar kits can create substantial positive impacts. As a result, NGOs and solar manufacturers could leverage this data to improve fundraising efforts and product development strategies, and some firms are exploring pay-as-you-go models to support low-income communities. Overall, the introduction of solar kits not only alleviates financial burdens but also enhances educational outcomes and agricultural productivity for families in off-grid settings.