Experiences and lessons from 15 years of World Bank support for photovoltaics for off-grid electrification

World Bank-financed photovoltaic (PV) electrification projects principally aim to improved electricity access for populations in remote areas that are unlikely to be reached by grid extension within a reasonable time frame. The business models adopted for commercial PV dissemination are classified as a dealer model and a fee-for-service model. Drawing on experiences in implementing these projects, the paper presents some of the principal lessons learned and offers a set of guidelines to be followed to ensure that the projects can sustainably offer affordable electricity services to off-grid consumers.