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SolarAid, in partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), has released the first-ever State of Repair in the Off-Grid Solar Sector report, offering a detailed overview of the repair services landscape in the off-grid solar energy sector across the Global South. This pioneering report, based on input from 75 key industry stakeholders, highlights both the opportunities and challenges in the sector’s repair ecosystem.
A Milestone for Solar Repair Initiatives
SolarAid, which began repairing solar products in Malawi in 2008, has expanded its focus to the broader off-grid energy sector. In 2022, SolarAid partnered with UNSW to release a white paper, which laid the groundwork for this new report. The State of Repair report draws on contributions from various industry players, including distributors, manufacturers, investors, and donors, to provide a comprehensive view of repair services in the off-grid solar industry.
Jamie McCloskey, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at SolarAid, stated, “This report shows much promise, but it also unearths some of the real challenges we face in addressing Repair as a whole sector. We firmly believe that if we collectively tackle the barriers ahead of us, repair services can be an overall net benefit to the off-grid solar sector, financially and otherwise.”
Key Insights and Industry Challenges
The report reveals that 90% of distributors currently offer some form of repair service. However, smaller companies still face significant obstacles, including limited manufacturer support and restricted access to spare parts. These factors, along with high repair costs and logistical challenges, impede the delivery of high-quality repair services, especially in rural areas.
Among the report’s findings are several key challenges:
Access to affordable spare parts, ranked as the top issue by industry participants.
Last-mile logistics and inadequate training for repair technicians.
Product design limitations that further complicate repair efforts.
McCloskey highlighted the importance of industry collaboration, particularly between manufacturers and distributors, to overcome these barriers and streamline repair services.
The Environmental Impact of Repair Services
The significance of repair services goes beyond product lifespans and cost savings. According to the report, 75% of all solar products sold in sub-Saharan Africa—approximately 110 million solar lights—are now non-functional. Despite nearly 91% of these products being repairable, access to reliable repair tools and parts in rural areas remains limited.
The global e-waste problem also underscores the urgency of repair services. In 2022, 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide, yet only 22.3% was formally collected and recycled. The expansion of repair services in the off-grid solar sector could help reduce e-waste and extend the life of solar products, benefiting both rural households and the environment.
McCloskey emphasized, “Warranties are not enough, especially for households with limited incomes. By addressing these challenges, we can deliver on customer demand and create lasting environmental benefits.”
Looking Ahead
The State of Repair in the Off-Grid Solar Sector report represents a significant step forward in understanding and addressing the repair needs of the off-grid solar industry. SolarAid and UNSW are hopeful that by overcoming the challenges identified in the report, the sector can achieve broader access to high-quality, affordable repair services, helping to meet the growing demand for solar energy in the Global South. |
