Rwanda Solar Tour by Theo - Ignite Power off-grid systems powering rural communities

Ignite Power delivers a wide range of services: solar home systems, solar-based irrigation systems, improved cooking stoves and solar-based medical devices. Solar home systems (SHS) are stand-alone photovoltaic systems that offer a cost-effective mode of supplying amenity power for lighting and appliances (computers, tv, water pumps,…) to remote off-grid households. Ignite Power's “Extreme Affordability Plan”, launched in early 2020, broke affordability records after it enabled families living in remote Rwandan villages to purchase solar home systems for less than $1 each per month. The company previously lowered prices from $15 to $6 for a basic solar home system but its new offering for less than $1 is believed to be the cheapest so far in Africa. Ignite's customers are usually using petrol candle to have light in their home prior to having a SHS, which is a high concern regarding the health of the family. Having those SHS help them improve their health but also the quality of studying of the children. Families are also making some savings from switching from petrol candle to a SHS. Ignite’s impact: 1.4M people directly impacted 3,500 jobs created 120,000 Tons of GreenHouse Gas emissions saved 10,000 operating villages