Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report

This latest Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report presents sales and impact data for January to June 2018, reflecting the performance of almost 70 companies, which are GOGLA members and companies that sell Lighting Global quality-verified products. A new insight revealed in this report highlights that, as a result of off-grid system ownership, an estimated $3.5 billion in additional income will be generated for households over the lifetime of the products sold to date. And that’s just what we know from our members and affiliates. Now, more than ever, we can see the potential impact that the products and services in the off-grid solar sector are bringing to customers.

3.7 million off-grid solar products were sold globally during the first half of 2018, a modest increase of 4%, compared to the same time a year ago. But with over one billion people worldwide still unreached by reliable electricity provision, the market continues to see vast untapped potential. According to the 2018 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends report, off-grid solar devices sold to date are estimated to have penetrated around 17% of the global potential market. However, while the market as a whole might not be growing fast, with unit sales seemingly stagnating, we are observing a noticeable shift into higher bracket product categories, with an increase in newly installed capacity, thanks largely to the steady growth of multi-light and solar home systems. During the first half of 2018, 26 MW of solar capacity was installed globally, a 40% increase compared again to the same period of 2017.

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Toolbox for Renewable Energy tariff calculation

The Toolbox consists of four separate Excel models:

• IPP Model
• Green Mini Grid (GMG) model
• Prosumer model (RE systems for own consumption and injection of excess generation into the grid)
• Supply Curve model

For each of the mini grids, IPP and prosumer models there is an option to run three different cases.  These are:

• A reference project calculation: it allows to consider either (1) a typical project in their country (for example an “average” solar PV project) to support setting feed-in tariffs, or (2) a specific project, for example, if there is a tender to develop in a specific location, or a speculative application from a potential developer that needs to be evaluated.
• An avoided cost calculation: it allows to compare two scenarios, one usually looking at a baseline scenario where the project is not implemented and the other looking at the scenario where the project is implemented. The cost associated with the baseline scenario where the renewable project is not implemented will provide the “avoided cost” for the renewable project. In other words, it gives a figure for what would need to be spent to deliver the energy from other sources. Using this module will allow the user to consider either (1) setting feed-in tariffs at a level that ensures that consumers pay no more for renewables than the conventional alternative, or (2) to support policy makers and regulators in understanding the cost implications of a renewable project relative to the alternative.
• A supply impact calculation: it allows to be able to compute what would happen in the system’s economic balance if a certain level of RE penetration is targeted and achieved. 

Source: http://www.ecowrex.org/page/toolbox-renewable-energy-tariff-calculation-west-africa