Up to 3 billion people globally lack dependable electricity and frequently rely on diesel or petrol generators. Replacing fossil fuel generators with solar generators could save an estimated $32 to $89 billion in fuel costs, avoid millions of tonnes of CO2, and improve energy resilience, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

This paper profiles the range of solar generators now available and examines the role and potential of this emerging product category. It focuses on how solar generators can transform energy security, costs, and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, home to the majority of the world’s households and businesses without reliable electricity supply.