Sustainability of Solar PV Energy Kiosks for Off-Grid Energy Access: Malawi Case Study

This paper presents learning relevant to off-grid energy access initiatives from a case study in Malawi. Deploying solar PV Kiosks in four rural communities, the Sustainable Off-Grid Electrification of Rural Villages (SOGERV) project set out to establish sustainable, community-based energy businesses. Focussing on access to renewable electricity and economic sustainability, the project deployed a set of services and products aiming to meet local needs identified in a detailed market survey of the area. The financial results of each business (sales revenues and operating expenses) are presented and discussed. The results demonstrate that, despite operating in remote areas with some of the lowest development statistics in Malawi, the revenues that can be obtained by these businesses have the potential to meet long-term operations and maintenance costs and generate a net surplus over a 10 year trading period. However, results are varied between businesses and many risks to long term economic sustainability remain. The learning provides a platform for further development of SDG7 focussed, community energy projects in Malawi and other similar contexts.