Overview

GOGLA is an independent, not-for-profit off-grid solar industry association. GOGLA represents over 125 members as the voice of the off-grid solar energy sector. GOGLA represents its members, implements sector-support programmes, coordinates industry-led working groups and advocacy initiatives. It also organizes the off-grid solar industry’s premier biennial event, the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum & Expo, and several other events.[1]

GOGLA is headquartered in Utrecht, the Netherlands with regional representatives based in Mumbai, India and Nairobi, Kenya.[2]

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Context

GOGLA was created to accelerate access to modern energy, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 7. GOGLA was founded in 2012 by some of the first off-grid (solar) lighting companies with the support from IFC/World Bank’s Lighting Global program.[3]

In recent years, with more members focusing on a broader range of off-grid solar products and services, the association’s scope now comprises pico-solar lanterns, solar home systems, community lighting and household as well as productive use off-grid appliances.[4]

Off-grid lighting and electrification products sold by GOGLA and other industry members have already reached over 120.3 million people worldwide. Based on Sustainable Energy for All’s “Global Tracking Framework” methodology for counting energy access, 39.7 million people have now reached Tier 1 energy access, and 1.8 million people reached Tier 2 energy access, as reported in GOGLA’s latest semi-annual Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report.[5]

Dalberg Advisors forecasts the market for these products to grow by around 25% year-on-year, reaching close to 150 million households (around 740 million people) by 2022. This means that the market for off-grid lighting and electrification products is well on its way to providing a significant share of households that currently do not have energy access, with basic electricity services. GOGLA believes that, combined with new energy access provided by grid extensions and other routes, the SDG 7 target of universal energy access by 2030 is thus becoming a realistic target. GOGLA’s activities contribute to maintaining and increasing this annual market growth, while simultaneously seeking to ensure that the market becomes as sustainable as possible.[6]

Membership and governance

GOGLA membership is open to all stakeholders within the off-grid solar sector. GOGLA currently represents over 125 industry and associate members.[7]

The GOGLA board of directors consist of 7 representatives from both industry members and associate members. Current president of GOGLA is Philips Lighting, represented by Harry Verhaar. The advisory board consists of representatives from GOGLA’s wider partner network.[8]

Programs and Advocacy

GOGLA’s objective is to help the industry grow quickly but sustainably. It focuses its efforts on three core barriers to growth of the sector, namely, mobilizing investment, creating an enabling environment and quality assurance and consumer protection.

GOGLA has 6 industry working groups covering: policy, technology, business development, sustainability, impact and one more working group focus specifically on India.[9]

GOGLA advocates industry positions on policy and regulation in front of governments and other non-sector stakeholders as the voice of the off-grid solar sector.[10]

GOGLA Publications

GOGLA publishes reports and guidance notes in various industry-related areas including policy, market data and technology.

The semi-annual Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report is one of GOGLA’s key publications detailing the sales data across different product categories and regions. The sales data is collected from GOGLA members and Lighting Global associates; the impact figures are generated with GOGLA impact metrics.[11]

Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report is produced by Dalberg and Lighting Global, with support from GOGLA and ESMAP. The biennial series was started in 2010, serve as the go-to source of information for investors, industry members, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the off-grid solar space, the flagship Market Trends Report provides an opportunity to step back for reflection on long-term trends, challenges and opportunities—illuminating a path forward for the sector. The latest version is published in January 2018 during the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum & Expo in Hong Kong.[12]

GOGLA Events

GOGLA regularly organizes events to help develop the off-grid lighting and energy sector including the premier biennial event – Global Off-Grid Solar Forum & Expo.

GOGLA also organizes Investor Conferences to facilitate access to finance in key markets; Annual Member Conferences for members to connect; as well as topical workshops to share knowledge and coordinate action on relevant topics.[13]