GOGLA leads the implementation of the Consumer Protection Code (CPC) to help safeguard positive industry impact and respect the rights of consumers. We believe that widespread industry action on consumer protection mitigates sector risks and accelerates sustainable market growth. The code outlines the minimum standard that off-grid solar consumers should expect from their provider and includes a comprehensive assessment framework.
GOGLA and partners have launched the Consumer Experience Initiative (CXI) to bring about a step change in industry performance and impact.
GOGLA leads the implementation of the Consumer Protection Code to help safeguard positive industry impact and respect the rights of consumers.
Find out which companies and institutions have adopted the Consumer Protection Code by making a Commitment or an Endorsement. Discover how your organization can commit or endorse the code.
The Connect initiative is defining a family of universal connectors and device-to-device firmware standards for enhanced interoperability of 12V SHS Kit and Appliance.
The GOGLA Consumer Protection Code has been supported by British International Investment, FMO and DOEN Foundation and developed in partnership with companies and investors who demonstrate a strong commitment to responsible business practises.
Good consumer protection is not only essential to successful off-grid solar businesses but is a moral obligation for responsible organisations. The Consumer Protection Code establishes the de facto industry standard for consumer protection that adds value to off-grid solar companies, investors and other stakeholders. The Code consists of a set of principles and an assessment framework to enable companies to measure, prove and improve their practices and provide investors and other stakeholders with a framework to promote good practice.
Review the Principles and Assessment Framework
The most important and powerful tool of any industry association is the expression of an official Industry Opinion. The Industry Opinion on consumer protection states that it is essential to ensure that growth objectives remain fully aligned with consumer interests to retain the full confidence of consumers, investors, governments and other stakeholders. GOGLA and its members are therefore committed to consumer protection and recommend that companies act upon their commitment, supporting industry-wide action so that the sector can accelerate responsible, sustained growth.
Consumer Protection Indicators improving performance against the CP Principles requires regular measurement and monitoring. The Indicators measure each of the six Principles, plus overarching governance and management performance.
The Self-Assessment Tool helps companies easily assess their performance against the Indicators and monitor improvements. The results can also be used to facilitate a dialogue between companies and investors by providing quantitative data and evidence of performance in a standardised format.
The process to define the Indicators was led by GOGLA’s Consumer Protection Working Group and included several consultation rounds, trial self-assessments with several companies, and focus groups discussions with consumers. This group is responsible for maintaining the standards and will make periodic additions and revisions.
The six Consumer Protection Principles set the minimum standards of practice, and are the foundation of the CP Code. The principles have been defined by GOGLA’s Consumer Protection Working Group (updated in 2024 to the Consumer Experience working group), with contributions from companies, investors and other stakeholders, and represent the minimum standards of practice consumers should expect from an off-grid solar company.
GOGLA encourages off-grid solar companies to make a Commitment to the CP Code. This signifies that the off-grid solar provider strives to achieve the minimum standards set out by the Consumer Protection Principles in its treatment of consumers, and uses the defined CP Indicators to measure and monitor performance across daily operations.
GOGLA encourages investors and other stakeholders to make an Endorsement of the CP Code. This signifies that the organisation aligns internal practices with the Consumer Protection Principles and / or supports off-grid solar providers to fulfill the minimum standards of practice in their treatment of customers.
Photography by Jeffrey Michael Walcott, Julia Gunther, current and previous GOGLA members
Photography by Jeffrey Michael Walcott, Julia Gunther, current and previous GOGLA members