The KPI Framework seeks to improve information flow between investors and companies in the PAYG industry by establishing standardized definitions and reporting standards. The KPIs are not designed to replace an appropriate appraisal process and an investment officer, however they will allow for a more structured assessment and comparable values. However, given the highly variable … Read More
The Lighting Global Quality Standards for Solar Home System Kits include a requirement that “Any outdoor cables must be outdoor-rated and UV-resistant.” This requirement goes beyond the Quality Standards for pico-products (off-grid products with peak power ratings less than 15 W) and is based on the assumption that larger solar home system kits are expected … Read More
Since 2010, Lighting Global has maintained quality standards for off-grid solar products with modules smaller than approximately 10 peak watts (pico-solar products). These standards set a baseline level of quality, durability, and truth in advertising to protect consumers. We are now considering whether to submit these quality standards for adoption by the International Electrotechnical Commission … Read More
Lighting Global maintains the Quality Standards, a set of off-grid lighting benchmarks that set a baseline level of quality, durability, and truth-in-advertising to protect consumers. These Standards apply to products with power up to 15 W. [Note: depending on the manufacturer’s preference, products with peak power ratings between 10 – 15 W may be tested as … Read More
This document describes the Quality Standards for Solar Home System Kits, which set a baseline level of quality, durability, and truth in advertising to protect consumers. Kits covered by these Standards must be “plug-and-play,” have a peak power of 350 W or less, and a DC voltage of 24 V or less. [Note, products smaller than 15 W … Read More
It is common for off-grid lighting manufacturers to offer the same product branded by different companies. Recognizing this fact, Lighting Global does not require completely independent testing of the same product for each company, but instead offers options for companies to list a co-branded product on the Lighting Global website. Details and requirements of the … Read More
Lighting Global, the World Bank Group’s platform to support sustainable growth of the international off-grid solar market, and GOGLA, the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association, launched the latest Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report, which includes performance data from 55 companies and covers the period of July to December 2016. This latest publication builds on the previous two reports … Read More
This procedure measures the potential for water and solid objects to enter and damage or degrade solar photovoltaic (PV) module junction boxes. It is designed for reference by the Lighting Global Quality Standards and will be submitted as an amendment to IEC 62257-9-5 when appropriate. This test would be conducted with a sample size of … Read More
This new Eco Design Note continues a discussion about product repair, focusing on steps that manufacturers can take to enable and encourage the repair of their products. The Note identifies three elements that can assist in repair efforts. These include designing a product for repair, making replacement parts available to local repair shops, and publishing … Read More
Building markets for solar lighting, particularly among a widely distributed, low-income customer base, requires technical and business-model innovation. IFC’s Lighting Asia/India program accomplished both by partnering with solar distributors in India, such as Frontier Markets, to develop a network of women entrepreneurs known as Solar Sahelis. This network helped to overcome the cost and awareness … Read More