North African research station uses 5MWh off-grid solar container

Are off-grid energy solutions the future of Africa?

These off-grid energy solutions are often providing “first time access to African households,” which given the continent’s large youth demographic – 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under 30 — can help provide opportunities for the next generation, says IEA analyst Idini.

Will off-grid solar provide half of Africa's electricity access?

Off-grid solar is positioned to be the most cost-effective way to provide about half of electricity access under Mission 300 —the joint World Bank Group and African Development Bank initiative to connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030.

Who funded research on solar energy in Sub-Saharan Africa?

P.P. is grateful to the Royal Academy of Engineering and Bboxx Ltd for funding research on solar energy in sub-Saharan Africa through the Smart Solar Solutions for All (S34ALL) fellowship. The authors contributed equally to all aspects of the article. Correspondence to Priti Parikh. The authors declare no competing interests.

Are off-grid power systems sustainable for rural electrification?

Economic challenges dominate sustainable delivery of off-grid power systems for rural electrification. Off-grid hybrid power systems with renewable energy as the primary resource remain the best option to electrify rural/remote areas in developing countries to help attain universal electricity access by 2030.