Off-grid solar users rise to 149 million, report says

A report by the World Bank's ESMAP and GOGLA found the number of people using off-grid solar products rose 26% in two years, from 118 million to 149 million. Connecting unserved populations by 2030 will require about $11.4 billion in investment, including $1.3 billion a year in grants and subsidies.

• Off-grid solar users reached 149 million, up 26% over two years
• 95% of customers report working solar home systems after four or more years
• The sector employs 219,000 people, up 29%
• About $11.4 billion in investment needed by 2030, including $1.3 billion a year in subsidies