Efficiency for Access, a coalition working to accelerate energy access through appliances, published the solar-powered appliances Technology Briefs to take stock of this blossoming market, which characterize the market for 11 high-impact products.
Energy-efficient off-grid appliances are on the rise and improving livelihoods in the process. Sales of off-grid appliances have seen a 16% increase from 2019 to 2021. Over the past four years alone, the off- and weak-grid appliance market has grown dramatically, with estimated sales increasing from 350,000 in the second half of 2018 to 696,800 in the first half of 2020.
Efficiency for Access, a coalition working to accelerate energy access through appliances, published the solar-powered appliances Technology Briefs to take stock of this blossoming market, which characterize the market for 11 high-impact products. The Solar Appliance Technology Briefs reveal that energy efficiency has been a major driver in energy access delivery. Here are some key-value findings:
- Innovations, such as permanent magnet motors and pay-as-you-go models, have significantly improved appliance efficiency, performance and affordability. Off-grid TVs are 149% more efficient on average than they were two years ago, outperforming some models sold in Europe.
- One considered an on-grid appliance, electric pressure cookers (EPCs) have emerged as shining examples of how quickly the sector can innovate and scale. In the second half of 2020, Global LEAP Awards financing catalyzed the procurement of 4,806 EPCs. For comparison, total EPC sales were estimated at 7,100 in 2018.
- The number of companies operating within the off-grid appliances sector has almost doubled from 292 in 2017 to 479 in 2020, leading to increased competition, innovation and most importantly, greater consumer choice.
- Although the off-grid appliances market has already seen steady growth, enabling technologies like information and communications technologies (ICT) and interoperability are poised to push the market towards even greater transformation.
Despite these successes and promises, none of the 11 appliances we assessed is close to market saturation. Cross-cutting barriers identified include affordability, availability and the broader enabling environment. Without inclusive finance options, the gap between sales and market potential will persist. Our Solar Appliance Technology Briefs and Synthesis Report outline recommendations that provide a path toward greater energy access for all.
Would you be interested in speaking with Yasemin Erboy-Ruff, Manager of the Efficiency for Access Coalition and Synthesis Report author? She can provide further details on the significance of the Solar Appliance Technology Briefs and speak to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the off-grid appliances sector.