On October 27, 2026, the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and the Global Off-Grid Solar Association (GOGLA) released the Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda. Products from companies covered by the report served an estimated 149 million people in 2025, up 26% from 118 million in 2023. The report covers solar home systems, lanterns and water pumps used in households, agriculture and small businesses.
ESMAP announcement · 2026 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report
On November 6, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published Renewables 2026. It forecasts around 80 GW of global off-grid solar PV capacity growth from 2026 to 2031, about 2.5 times the growth of the previous six years. Pakistan, sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia are expected to lead this expansion. In markets with unreliable grid service, some households and businesses are using solar to improve their electricity supply.
IEA Renewables 2026 · IEA off-grid solar capacity forecast
Demand Varies by Application
The rise in people served came alongside different sales trends. Among the companies tracked by ESMAP and GOGLA, solar home system sales grew rapidly while solar water pump sales levelled off. The report estimates that off-grid solar could be the lowest-cost route to electricity access for at least 398 million people. It also found that only about one in three households without electricity could afford an entry-level solar home system through pay-as-you-go financing. Equipment prices, financing terms and household budgets still shape which projects can go ahead.
2026 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report · ESMAP announcement
For distributors and system integrators, the equipment choice depends on how the system will be used. An RV project needs to account for appliances running at the same time and how long they draw power. A water pump project needs to account for motor startup, running time and how often the pump cycles. Systems with similar rated loads may require different inverter and battery configurations.
Sizing an Inverter for RV Power
When an RV is parked without shore power, an inverter converts battery DC into AC for compatible onboard appliances. RV manufacturers and conversion teams can start by listing the appliances that may run together and estimating their use between charges. Available charging sources, such as rooftop solar, charging while driving or shore power, also affect how the battery bank is sized and replenished.
The Solarway NP Series provides pure sine wave AC output for battery-powered applications. The range includes models rated from 300 W to 4,000 W, with DC input and AC output options that vary by model. For RV projects, match the inverter to the battery voltage, the destination market’s AC voltage and frequency, and the appliances expected to run together.
Sizing an Inverter for an Off-Grid Water Pump
When an inverter powers an AC water pump at a remote property, the pump can draw more power at startup than it does during normal operation. The nameplate rating helps estimate the running load. The starting current, startup duration and cycling frequency also affect inverter and battery sizing. Project teams can collect the pump model and startup specifications first, then validate the configuration with the actual load.
The Solarway PP Series is designed for applications involving inductive loads such as appropriately matched AC water pumps. The LCD shows operating status and supports parameter settings. Bluetooth and RS485 can operate simultaneously for monitoring and system integration. Select the model against the pump and battery specifications and verify it under the intended operating conditions.
For RV projects, off-grid water pumping, bulk purchasing or OEM/ODM enquiries, contact Solarway New Energy at info@solarway.cc. Include the application, battery voltage, required AC output and load details. For motor loads, include the equipment model and any available startup data.
Post time: Nov-11-2026