The first Spark solar home systems have arrived in Chad, where SOL! Groupe will deliver them to homes without electricity access. Additional units also are being delivered to the Central African Republic as part of Spark’s continued success in unlocking financing for challenging and emerging markets.
SOL! GroupeSpark has partnered with SOL! Groupe as their preferred manufacturer and supplier of the Spark Kit solar home system, with distribution now underway in Chad and soon the Central African Republic.
Spark provides inventory to SOL! Groupe with pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) instalment payment options for end-users in Chad and the Central African Republic. In both countries, the population with energy access is among some of the lowest in the world. In Chad, the electrification rate outside urban areas is less than 5%, whilst the Central African Republic sees rural energy access rates as low as 0.4%.
Traditionally, these markets have been overlooked by energy companies. They are difficult to operate in due to tough financing conditions and sparse populations in extremely remote and rural areas. But now, with expert support from the Spark Invest programme, SOL! Groupe can expand into these historically underserved regions.
An initial shipment of Spark Solar Kits has already arrived in Chad, with a furthermore on the way to the Central African Republic as well. This partnership will help meet the energy needs of peri-urban and rural households with reliable, affordable and sustainable solar home systems.
SOL! Groupe’s operations in Chad are primarily in N’Djamena and Moundou, covering the entire territory while in the Central African Republic, its focus is on Bangui and Boali, with a network being developed to expand its reach.
“Starting this partnership with Spark is a significant step towards addressing the critical energy needs of peri-urban and rural communities in Chad. With an electrification rate of less than 5% outside urban areas, we see an urgent demand for reliable and quality solar kits. The introduction of Spark’s lithium solar technology and modular battery systems, along with flexible financing options through our Chadian partners or instalment payments, will empower these households by providing them with a reliable energy source and improving their daily living conditions. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this partnership. Meet our teams in N’Djamena, Moundou, and beyond.”
– Marc Giordano, General Manager – SOL! Tchad
“We are thrilled to partner with Spark to bring reliable and efficient solar energy solutions to the Central African Republic. Our focus on Bangui and Boali is just the beginning, as we aim to extend our reach across the entire national territory. The demand for quality solar kits is high, especially in rural and peri-urban areas where access to traditional electricity is extremely limited. With Spark’s innovative technology and flexible payment options, we are confident that we can significantly improve the quality of life for many households by providing them with stable and sustainable energy solutions.”
– Yvon Dokoula, General Manager – SOL! Centrafrique
“Connecting homes in some of the most remote regions of the world to electricity would not be possible without partnerships like our work with SOL! Groupe. At Spark, we’re changing energy for the better, and for good by unlocking finance and building long-term relationships with distribution partners who understand their customers. We provide high-quality, modular solar products and the flexible financing that our partners need to operate in tough and nascent markets. With this approach, we’re able to deliver bright days ahead for our partners and customers no matter where they live.”
– Shagun Jain, Commercial Director, Spark
