Navigating Repairs in the Off-Grid Sector: Key Learnings from EEP Africa Knowledge Week 2025

During the EEP Africa Knowledge Week 2025, an insightful session titled "Navigating Repairs in the Off-Grid Sector", in collaboration with GOGLA and SolarAid, brought together industry experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in providing repair services for off-grid solar products. Moderated by Rebecca Rhodes, Senior Strategy and Programs Manager at GOGLA, the session featured panelists from various organisations, including SolarAid, Natfort Energy, Kijani Testing, SunnyMoney Zambia and Zuwa.

The session highlighted the critical need for repair services in the off-grid solar sector. With over 50 million off-grid solar products sold annually since 2022, many of these products eventually require repair. The panelists emphasised that extending the lifespan of these products through repair not only reduces e-waste but also ensures that end-users continue to benefit from their investments in clean energy.

Challenges in the Repair Landscape

Several challenges were identified in providing effective repair services:

1. Access to Spare Parts: One of the most significant barriers is the difficulty in obtaining spare parts from manufacturers. Panelists noted that manufacturers often do not provide sufficient spare parts, and when they do, the parts may not be compatible with older models.
2. Quality Assurance: Ensuring high-quality repairs is crucial. The session discussed the need for standardised training and certification for repair technicians to maintain the quality and reliability of repaired products.
3. Logistics and Costs: The logistics of collecting and transporting faulty products to repair centers, especially in remote areas, can be challenging and costly. This issue is compounded by the high cost of spare parts and the lack of local availability.
4. Manufacturer Support: There can sometimes be a gap between manufacturers and distributors when it comes to providing support for repairs. Manufacturers may believe they are offering adequate support, while distributors feel otherwise.

Innovative Solutions and Opportunities

Despite these challenges, the session also highlighted several innovative solutions and opportunities:

1. Localised Repair Networks: Building localised repair networks with trained technicians can help address the logistical challenges and reduce costs. SolarAid, for example, has been working on establishing regional repair hubs and training local technicians.
2. Third-Party Repair Services: Companies like Kijani Testing are stepping in to provide third-party repair services, offering comprehensive support from market research to quality assurance. This approach can help bridge the gap between manufacturers and end-users.
3. Collaboration and Partnerships: The importance of collaboration between manufacturers, distributors, and repair service providers was emphasised. By working together, stakeholders can develop more effective repair solutions and improve access to spare parts and technical information. SolarAid's soon to be launched partner-led initiative Off-Grid Solar Repair Lab is a collective voice on the shared strategy for action.
4. Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for policies that support repair services and reduce e-waste is essential. The session called for collective action to engage with policymakers and create a supportive regulatory environment.The session concluded with a call to action for the off-grid solar sector. Stakeholders were urged to collaborate, invest in repair infrastructure, and prioritise quality assurance to ensure the sustainability of the sector. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities discussed, the off-grid solar industry can enhance its impact and continue to provide reliable, clean energy solutions to underserved communities.

To further explore key challenges and solutions, SolarAid has released the State of Repair in the Off-Grid Solar Sector Report.