Pico Solar

Global Pico Solar Market to Reach US$687.9 Million by 2030

The global market for Pico Solar estimated at US$339.3 Million in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$687.9 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.5% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Single Purpose Pico Solar, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 14.0% CAGR and reach US$478.7 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Multi-Purpose Pico Solar segment is estimated at 9.5% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$92.4 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 17.1% CAGR

The Pico Solar market in the U.S. is estimated at US$92.4 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$146.6 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 17.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.0% and 11.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 9.9% CAGR.

Global Pico Solar Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Makes Pico Solar Solutions Crucial for Energy Access in Off-Grid Regions?

Pico solar systems, typically defined as solar-powered products under 10 watts, have become indispensable in electrifying underserved and off-grid communities across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and remote parts of Southeast Asia and Latin America. These compact, plug-and-play solutions-ranging from solar lanterns and mobile phone chargers to small household lighting systems-offer a cost-effective, immediate alternative to kerosene lamps, candles, and other polluting, unsafe, or expensive traditional lighting sources.

What makes pico solar especially relevant is its low entry cost, simple user interface, and scalability. Unlike conventional grid infrastructure, which demands large capital expenditure and long timelines, pico solar devices can be deployed in days, with minimal training or installation requirements. These attributes are critical in regions where electrification remains elusive due to geographic inaccessibility, political instability, or economic constraints. Furthermore, with global energy access goals outlined by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), pico solar plays a foundational role in achieving “affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all.”

Humanitarian agencies, NGOs, and microfinance institutions have increasingly adopted pico solar solutions as tools for socioeconomic development. Beyond lighting, access to power facilitates education, income-generating activities, and improved health outcomes. Solar Study lamps, for instance, extend usable study hours for students, while solar-powered radios and torches improve access to information and safety. The transformative potential of pico solar lies not just in electrification but in enabling inclusion and resilience in energy-deprived communities.

How Are Business Models and Financing Mechanisms Influencing Adoption?

The affordability and reach of pico solar products are heavily influenced by innovative business models such as pay-as-you-go (PAYG), micro-leasing, and last-mile distribution partnerships. PAYG models-enabled through mobile money platforms-have proven particularly effective in overcoming the affordability barrier by allowing users to make small incremental payments via SMS or mobile apps. Once the device is fully paid, ownership transfers to the user, making the process both empowering and financially manageable.

Solar companies like M-KOPA, d.light, and BBOXX have successfully scaled pico solar deployment using PAYG systems in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. These models often bundle customer support, maintenance, and remote monitoring into the package, which builds trust and improves retention. The backend integration of GSM or IoT modules allows device locking in case of payment default, protecting asset integrity while incentivizing timely payments.

Additionally, global climate finance, donor subsidies, and development bank grants have played a catalytic role. The World Bank’s Lighting Global initiative and the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power program have boosted product affordability and consumer awareness. Collaborations with local entrepreneurs, women`s cooperatives, and non-profits are also essential in strengthening last-mile distribution and ensuring that devices are culturally appropriate and gender-inclusive.

Which Technological Innovations Are Shaping the Next Generation of Pico Solar Devices?

Technology development in the pico solar space is geared toward improving energy efficiency, durability, multi-functionality, and affordability. Advances in LED lighting, lithium-ion battery chemistries, and solar PV module miniaturization have made pico solar devices lighter, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective. Today’s solar lanterns can provide over 24 hours of light on a single charge and last up to 5 years with little degradation, offering significant improvement over earlier models.

Multi-use functionality is also gaining ground. Newer pico solar units come with mobile phone charging ports, FM radios, torch attachments, and even small DC fans or TVs. USB-enabled and IoT-connected systems allow for modular expansion and remote diagnostics. Integration with blockchain platforms and cloud-based payment systems enhances transparency and scalability of PAYG operations, while enabling better data-driven planning for off-grid electrification.

Durability remains a major priority, especially in extreme climate zones. Water-resistant casings, high-impact polycarbonate shells, and tamper-proof battery packs are now standard features in quality-certified products. Lighting Global certification and IEC technical standards ensure that devices meet minimum performance thresholds, which is crucial for maintaining consumer confidence and market credibility.

What Is Driving Growth in the Global Pico Solar Market?

The growth in the global pico solar market is driven by a confluence of factors including global energy access imperatives, declining component costs, increasing mobile connectivity in emerging markets, and the maturity of PAYG financing models. With over 700 million people still lacking access to electricity globally, pico solar offers a rapid, scalable solution that bypasses the challenges of traditional grid infrastructure.

Consumer awareness is rising due to successful demonstration projects and word-of-mouth, while regulatory bodies in Africa and Asia are becoming more supportive of decentralized renewable energy solutions. Government-led electrification roadmaps in Nigeria, India, and Ethiopia increasingly recognize the complementary role of pico solar in bridging short-term energy gaps.

Manufacturers are responding by localizing assembly, partnering with telecom operators, and bundling ancillary services such as insurance and e-learning apps with the devices. Donor agencies, carbon credit financiers, and climate funds are further enhancing affordability and ecosystem development. As component technologies continue to improve and digital payment systems expand, the pico solar market is well-positioned for double-digit growth across low-income and disaster-prone regions.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Pico Solar market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Type (Single Purpose Pico Solar, Multi-Purpose Pico Solar); Application (Residential Application, Commercial Application, Industrial Application)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 41 Featured) -

• Clear Blue Technologies
• d.light Limited
• Fosera Solarsystems GmbH
• Givaudan - N/A
• Greenlight Planet Inc.
• Little Sun
• M-KOPA Group
• Neso Energy
• Nokero
• Off Grid Electric (ZOLA)
• Panasonic Corporation
• Philips – Signify N.V.
• REENASSETS.IN
• Shenzhen Power-Solution Ind.
• Simusolar
• Solar Run Energy
• SolarAid
• Sun King
• Yingli Green Energy Holding
• Zola Electric

AI INTEGRATIONS
We`re transforming market and competitive intelligence with validated expert content and AI tools.

Instead of following the general norm of querying LLMs and Industry-specific SLMs, we built repositories of content curated from domain experts worldwide including video transcripts, blogs, search engines research, and massive amounts of enterprise, product/service, and market data.

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR
Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by increasing the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

Please note: Reports are sold as single-site single-user licenses. Electronic versions require 24-48 hours as each copy is customized to the client with digital controls and custom watermarks. The Publisher uses digital controls protecting against copying and printing is restricted to one full copy to be used at the same location.

The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the report. Upon ordering an electronic version, the Publisher will provide a link to download the purchased report.

Prior to fulfillment of an order, the client will be required to sign a document detailing the purchase terms for a publication from this publisher.