Changing the energy landscape in developing countries

Presently 1.4 billion people worldwide, mostly in developing countries, live without access to energy. Modern energy fulfils basic needs, but is also a necessary motor for socio-economic development. Electricity advances developmental factors such as small business development, access to appliances (e.g. refrigeration), extended operation and working hours, access to communications, more security, enhanced education levels and rural development. Energy can improve the life of millions.

Solar for All is a global initiative that wants to take a big step ahead in making solar energy affordable to the 1.4 billion people without access to electricity. More than single social entrepreneurs have to be supported to accomplish a systemic change; therefore the general approach comprises the entire solar PV value chain and related financial services.

The Solar for All initiators have developed a three-tiered strategy to advance change through social entrepreneurship, solar technology, and venture philanthropy: A contest to surface well adapted affordable technology, supporting the development of tailor-made funds for investing in solar PV companies and end-user financing schemes and a support facility providing business development assistance for early stage companies to reach investment readiness.

Until today the solar PV industry has focused mainly on the on-grid market, whereas the off-grid sector is a niche market accounting only for 3% of the world market. Solar for All aims to make tangible impact on the PV industry, the financial sector and rural development fully recognizing the important social and economic value proposition of clean decentralized energy for our world's villages.