Off grid solar systems significantly increase household income in African

The global off grid solar energy association, has released a new report assessing the economic impact of off grid solar systems in East Africa. The report collected data from about 2,300 households in Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda etc. More than half of the respondents said that economic activity has increased, many of them starting businesses or significantly increasing household income.The report shows that the deployment of small self-contained solar energy systems in off grid areas has a positive economic impact.

The data shows that 58% of households have recently installed off grid solar systems, and because of the power supply, they can increase their workload or develop their more businesses. 36% of households have an average monthly income increase of $35,equivalent to 50% of a family's monthly average GDP in this region. In addition, due to the power lighting, respondents indicated that they can spend more time on work or housework. This improvement has brought income to the family and increased the economic activity of the business owner. 11% of respondents reported that as the use of technologies such as smartphones continued to expand, they began a new business after the electrification of off grid solar systems. In 7% of households, at least one family member received a new job due to the deployment of solar energy.

（TANFON off grid solar engery in Kenya）

In countries with generally low economic activity, the expansion of grid infrastructure is very expensive, which has a negative impact on energy pricing. However, due to the lack of electricity supply, profitable economic activities are difficult to start. To solve this problem, cheap off grid solar systems have been deployed more and more since 2010.