Funded by the European Union, this report was produced by SolarPower Europe for the International Solar Alliance
‘Solar for All: Boosting Solar Investment in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States’ addresses the challenges of investment mobilisation and deployment of solar energy projects in LDCs and SIDS. Underlying market barriers and a perception of high risk constrain the development and financing of solar energy projects. While technology costs have plummeted, solar projects are still not developed at scale in LDCs and SIDS. This is due to high project costs resulting from regulatory, technological, and financial barriers.
In summary, the paper recommends that policy makers, international partners, and international financial institutions (IFIs) can address key investment risks, with a targeted approach developed through five strategic objectives:
Create an enabling environment for private investments
Policy makers, with the support of international partners and international financial institutions (IFIs), should improve the framework conditions for doing business and investing in solar energy.
Enhance access to affordable finance
Access to non-sovereign guarantees from IFIs is crucial to mobilising private investments.
Increase regulatory & administrative coordination
Capacity building for national energy actors and technicians will support the growth of the solar market.
Integrate solar energy into the grid
Challenges for integrating solar into the grid can be mitigated with adequate measures, including priority dispatch and upgrades.
Leave no one behind
Off-grid solutions and end-user subsidies are essential to ensuring universal electricity access and reach the most vulnerable.
Solar For All
Explore the recommendations in detail. Discover solar's role in delivering sustainable energy for least developed states, and small island developing states.
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