Off-grid solar is now the cheapest way to bring power to 398 million people

For families far from any power grid, a small solar panel and battery can be the fastest route to light, phone charging and refrigeration. A new World Bank and GOGLA report finds standalone solar is the lowest-cost way to electrify 398 million people who live beyond the reach of central grids — 41 percent of all new connections needed by 2030. Off-grid products already serve 149 million people, up 26 percent since 2023, and the sector has generated $28 billion in household savings and extra income over 15 years while supporting 219,000 jobs.

SDG 7 · Affordable and clean energy — Mechanism: market force