Powering Dignity, Opportunity and Resilience: Sollys Energy 2025 Impact Study
The “Impact Study: Sollys Energy ‘Pay As You Go’ Solar System Deployment on Livelihoods and Communities in Malawi” captures a pivotal moment in Malawi’s clean energy transition. Conducted across Mangochi, Balaka, and Ntcheu Districts by Thrive Afrika , the study demonstrates how decentralized Pay-As-You-Go solar is strengthening household resilience, expanding economic opportunity, and revitalizing community life.
Throughout 2025, we listened closely to the households we serve. Beyond measuring systems installed, we focused on understanding how access to reliable solar energy is reshaping daily life, livelihoods, and long-term prospects.
Our Impact at Household Level
Across 52 surveyed households, the findings show clear, multidimensional impact.
Financial Resilience
• 42 percent reduction in monthly energy expenditure
• Greater budgeting predictability
• Reduced reliance on kerosene and candles
• High satisfaction with Pay-As-You-Go
Households are redirecting savings toward school fees, food, and small investments, strengthening financial stability.
Education and Human Capital
• 87 percent report longer evening study hours
• Improved concentration and school performance
• Cleaner, safer learning environments
Reliable lighting is expanding productive hours and supporting stronger learning outcomes.
Enterprise and Income Growth
• 92 percent report increased income from Household Savings on Energy
• 67 percent launched solar-powered businesses
Solar is enabling entrepreneurship, extended trading hours, and stronger local economic activity.
Health and Environment
• Significant reduction in kerosene use
• Improved indoor air quality
• Lower risk of burns and smoke exposure
Solar lighting is delivering measurable health and environmental benefits.
Safety and Social Cohesion
• 100 percent report improved safety at night
• Revival of community and cultural activities
Solar is strengthening trust, mobility, and social vibrancy after dark.
Beyond Distribution
In 2025, we focused on strengthening the broader energy ecosystem by working with government, financial partners, community savings groups, and development stakeholders to improve affordability and scale impact sustainably.
We are deeply grateful to the households who opened their homes and shared their experiences, the community leaders and sales agents who support our mission, and the partners who collaborate with us to accelerate Malawi’s clean energy transition.
[Download the Sollys Energy 2025 Impact Study]
Partner With Us
If you are a policymaker, funder, financial institution, or ecosystem partner interested in advancing inclusive energy access in Malawi, please contact us
Together, we can accelerate universal energy access and build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
