Energy-as-a-Service – reaching the most remote communities
Almost 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity. When the sun sets, families are forced to turn to dangerous alternatives such as homemade torches, candles and kerosene lamps. These options aren’t only expensive, but they are also damaging health, impairing education, and emitting carbon into the atmosphere. There is an urgent need for innovative solutions which put energy access for the poorest and most remote communities at the forefront. With the aim to fast‑track progress towards achieving 100% sustained energy access for these communities, SolarAid in partnership with REAL Programme Catalyst has developed an Energy‑as‑a‑Service (EaaS) model designed to enable everyone to gain access to solar light and power.
How does it work – Energy-as-a-Service
Instead of having to buy a solar system upfront, families simply pay for the energy they use, at a cost similar to what they already spend on candles or kerosene. This means they can access reliable, solar-powered light and electricity straight away, without the burden of high upfront costs.
This innovation aims to create community transformation through providing each household, as well as schools in a village with a solar home system. Local Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) are then trained to install and repair the solar home systems, creating long-term, sustainable income.
SolarAid and its REAL Programme Catalyst are already delivering this programme across several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, bringing us closer to a future where everyone has access to clean, reliable energy.
Case Study: Light a Village – Kasakula, Malawi
SolarAid launched its first Energy-as-a-Service pilot, Light a Village in Kasakula TA, Ntchisi District in Malawi where 97% of customers live in extreme poverty, with 0% grid access.
Together with REAL Programme Catalyst, this community has now gained 100% access to clean, safe solar power – that means 8,813 households, all 12 schools and the local health clinic.
Light a Village pilot has been funded by a combination of donations from ten generous donors matched by the Turner Kirk Trust.
