The global off-grid solar sector recorded its strongest year on record in 2025, with more than 10 million solar energy kits sold worldwide, according to the latest Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report released by GOGLA, the global off-grid solar association.

The report revealed that companies affiliated with GOGLA sold 10.2 million solar energy kits during the year, marking a nearly 10 per cent increase from 2024. The growth expanded access to electricity for millions of people, bringing the total number of individuals served by GOGLA-affiliated companies to more than 148 million globally.

According to the report, the sector achieved a net increase of 11 million people gaining access to off-grid solar energy in 2025, underscoring the growing role of the technology in supporting national electrification efforts, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

GOGLA Executive Director, Sarah Malm, attributed the record performance to rising demand for off-grid solar solutions and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

“This year’s record sales demonstrate both the scale of demand for off-grid solar and its proven ability to drive electrification efforts,” Malm said.

“These results show what can be achieved when innovative companies, governments, donors and investors work towards a shared objective. As countries pursue ambitious energy access goals through initiatives such as Mission 300, stronger coordination will be essential to scale what works, attract investment and ensure more people gain access to reliable electricity.”

The report highlighted East Africa and Nigeria as the best-performing markets in 2025, driven largely by subsidies and results-based financing programmes that improved affordability and expanded access to solar products. Sales of products acquired through pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) financing models rose by nearly 50 per cent during the year.

Among the key achievements recorded in 2025 were the sale of 2.52 million solar home systems, representing a 48 per cent increase year-on-year, and 2.65 million multi-light systems, which grew by 36 per cent. The sector also recorded sales of 1.83 million off-grid appliances globally.

Despite the strong growth, the report warned that progress remains below the levels required to achieve national electrification targets, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7, and the ambitions of Mission 300.

It noted that while public and donor-backed subsidy programmes have played a crucial role in accelerating market growth, the concentration of expansion in subsidy-supported markets and among a limited number of large companies raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The report further observed that small and medium-sized enterprises, which are often critical to reaching remote communities, continue to face challenges in accessing finance and scaling their operations.

Commenting on the findings, Jakub Vrba of the Energy Saving Trust said the growth in off-grid solar appliances demonstrates the broader economic benefits of energy access.

“The growth in off-grid solar appliances shows how access to electricity can translate into higher incomes, greater productivity and improved livelihoods for last-mile communities,”  Vrba said.

“To unlock this opportunity at scale, public and private finance must work together to support a diverse and resilient ecosystem of companies, including locally- led and women-led companies, which remain underrepresented in funding flows,”

GOGLA called for more coordinated and long-term market development strategies, urging governments, donors and investors to design subsidy and results-based financing programmes that support sustainable growth, encourage private sector investment and enable companies of all sizes to expand their reach.