This slide deck, part of an online course, gives a brief but thorough overview of business models for off-grid solar energy, looking in particular at pay-as-you-go models, and presents insights into the investment landscape for off-grid solar companies.
This brief explains the importance and benefits of an internationally harmonized quality assurance framework for small scale solar photovoltaic (pico-PV) products. Benefits are outlined for specific stakeholder groups, and a summary of the Lighting Global Quality Assurance (QA) Framework is provided for reference.
This brief explains the role of product testing in standard-setting for off-grid solar products. It provides recommendations based on good practices and explains how the Lighting Global Quality Assurance Program can help governments implement and enforce standards.
This policy brief provides guidance on the importance of quality standards for stand-alone solar products; how to develop and adopt standards, and the current status in Africa; common challenges encountered in this process; and market surveillance; as well as recommendations for governments.
This report uses economic modelling to investigate the viability of ten different productive use applications of solar power in agriculture (oil extraction, maize shelling, rice hulling, fruit juice making, sugar cane juicing, fruit drying, flour milling, peanut shelling and coffee pulping). It investigates each technology in detail and then calculates the profits and other benefits […]
This brief report introduces the concept of the WEF nexus and explains how the FAO has applied the nexus approach in its work, with many case study examples.
This report discusses how distributed energy resources can improve energy systems, and how energy systems must change to accommodate them.
This webpage provides an introduction to smart grids, an overview of recent progress and recommendations for governments and utilities.
This report by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) shares opportunities, challenges and good practices related to advancing gender equality in electricity infrastructure projects.
This very recent IEA report explains the need to invest more in grid infrastructure. Read the Executive Summary on pages 7-10 for a brief overview of challenges related to quickly rising demand for transformers and cables, which have led to increased waiting times and higher prices.