VeraSol works closely with market actors to help them make, source, and support quality off-grid solar solutions.
We define how product quality is measured, providing a common language for making performance claims.
We help determine and set the baseline level of product quality for consumer protection.
We standardize off-grid appliance testing, enabling consistent product comparisons.
We certify products that meet international standards through independent evaluation.
We improve global testing capacity through laboratory training and knowledge dissemination.
We generate comparable data to showcase quality products and drive faster decisionmaking.
We assist governments in the development and adoption of standards and policies.
We communicate to the market about the importance and need for quality assurance.
An effective quality assurance program catalyzes off-grid solar markets and brings power to the world’s most vulnerable communities by delivering quality products that perform as advertised.
By prioritizing quality, all sector actors can help build a competitive global market where durable, high-performing off-grid solar solutions are the default option.
Quality assurance helps catalyze off-grid solar markets and bring reliable energy services to the world’s most vulnerable communities through high-performing products.
VeraSol's trusted, rigorous, and widely-applicable quality assurance program supports a wide range of stakeholders, from manufacturers to consumers.
Signal your commitment to quality, gain entry into key markets, and attract the attention of professional buyers.
Millions of people around the world have benefited from using certified solar energy kits.
Help shape the QA program! VeraSol regularly aggregates feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders. We use this information to inform our policies and procedures.
An evolution of Lighting Global Quality Assurance, VeraSol supports high-performing, durable off-grid solar products that expand access to modern energy services.
VeraSol is an evolved quality assurance program that builds upon the rich history of Lighting Global Quality Assurance.
The VeraSol team holds a rich technical and programmatic background in quality assurance coupled with a commitment to provide neutral, high-quality service to the sector.
VeraSol brings together a diverse network of organizations, institutions, and programs to improve the quality and availability of modern off-grid solar solutions worldwide.
VeraSol builds global testing capacity to evaluate off-grid solar solutions and generate high-quality test data.
VeraSol maintains a growing library of resources on off-grid solar quality assurance. Browse our publication library, view previously certified products, and explore frequently asked questions about our program and core services.
Publications, Technical Notes, policies, and resources about off-grid solar quality assurance.
Learn more about VeraSol, the testing or certification process, and how to use our Product Database.
A complete list of products that were supported by VeraSol, but no longer have active certification letters.
Browse current and past programs, results-based financing mechanisms, open tenders, bulk procurements, and other initiatives looking for VeraSol-certified solar energy kits.
Explore over 1,500 appliance policies across more than 130 economies, including for off-grid products.
View hundreds of independently tested and certified off-grid solar solutions.
Many large institutions and organizations require their programs to support or procure only products that meet international quality standards. By certifying your solar energy kit with VeraSol, you can qualify your products for bulk procurements, results-based financing mechanisms, working capital facilities, and other programs.
Below is an active list of open and past opportunities. Please contact us if you would like to add a program or tender to this list.
LVIA Program/Fund Type: Results-based financing Funding Organization: European Union Implementing Organization/Fund Manager: LVIA Closing Date: June 28, 2021Location: Burundi Description: Results-based financing program for the sale of solar kits and systems in the provinces of Ruyigi, Rutana and Cankuzo in BurundiLEARN MORE
Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Program/Fund Type: Long term low interest credit facilities Funding Organization: Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Implementing Organization/Fund Manager: Central Bank of Nigeria Closing Date: Rolling until December 31, 2030Location: Nigeria Description: The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has launched an initiative to achieve the roll out of 5 million new solar-based connections in communities that are not grid connected. The Solar Connection Intervention Facility will expand energy access to underserved rural communities through the provision of long term low interest credit facilities to the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) pre-qualified home solar value chain players that include manufacturers and assemblers of solar components and off-grid energy retailers in the country.LEARN MORE
Association of Volunteers in International Service (AVSI) FoundationProgram/Fund Type: Results-based financingFunding Organization: European UnionImplementing Organization/Fund Manager: AVSIClosing Date: June 18, 2021Location: BurundiDescription: The AVSI-NCA (Contracting Entity) consortium aims to provide financial incentives to private sector organizations involved in the provision and scale-up of VeraSol certified solar products with flexible and innovative payment solutions and mechanisms (pay-as-you-go , loans, installments, etc.) in rural Burundi.LEARN MORE
Off-Grid Market Development Fund (OMDF)Program/Fund Type: Results-based financing; grantsFunding Organization: Off-Grid Market Development Fund (OMDF)Implementing Organization/Fund Manager: Bamboo Capital PartnersClosing Date: Until the limit of available fundsLocation: MadagascarDescription: The Off-Grid Market Development Fund (OMDF) would like to invite eligible companies to submit proposals for grants for the distribution of certified solar products in Madagascar. A virtual conference will be held on April 19 at 3 p.m. (EAT) to present in more detail, their funding offers and the grant application process. To register for the virtual conference, please write an email to contact@omdf.mg. LEARN MORE
Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA)Program/Fund Type: Results-based financing; grantsFunding Organization: Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA)Implementing Organization/Fund Manager: Nordic Environment Finance CorporationClosing Date: June 22, 2021 (pre-qualification)Location: UgandaDescription: Results-based financing program will avail EUR 20.7 million, split into three funding lots, to enable the establishment of up to 600,000 energy connections that will benefit more than 3 million people in rural Uganda. The indicative individual contract ticket size per company is expected to be EUR 1.2–4 million depending on the Lot.LEARN MORE
Off-Grid Electricity Fund (OGEF)Program/Fund Type: Results-based financingFunding Organization: World BankImplementing Organization/Fund Manager: Bamboo Capital Partners together with FDIClosing Date: Open with no specific closing dateLocation: HaitiDescription: Results-based financing program for solar distributors distributing VeraSol certified products in Haiti. An additional grant is provided if financing is offered to the end-customer (typically PAYGO or financing through MFI partner).LEARN MORE
Renewable Energy FundProgram/Fund Type: incentivesFunding Organization: Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA)Implementing Organization/Fund Manager: Development Bank of RwandaClosing Date: April 2023 (RBF)Location: RwandaDescription: The Renewable Energy Fund (REF) has been providing lines of credit to Off-Grid Solar Companies. A results-based financing (RBF) subsidy scheme of US$ 15 million was recently approved.LEARN MORE
Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) Solar Home Systems ProgrammeProgram/Fund Type: Fixed-incentive grants, upfront grantsFunding Organization: World BankImplementing Organization/Fund Manager: Rural Electrification Agency of NigeriaClosing Date: Rolling through 2023Location: NigeriaDescription: The SHS component of the NEP aims to help capable solar providers reach more rapidly underserved Nigerian households and micro enterprises (MSMEs) and provide access to better energy services at a lower cost than their current service.LEARN MORE
Partnership with Solar and Stoves Distribution in Promotion of Solar Products and Clean Cooking Solutions for Households, Productive Use in Business Settings and Social Institutions in the Refugee Set-UpProgram/Fund Type: Service contractFunding Organization: EnDevImplementing Organization/Fund Manager: SNVClosing Date: Rolling until March 2021Location: KenyaDescription: The project seeks for partnerships to promote solar products and clean cooking solutions for households, productive use in business settings and social institutions in Kakuma refugee camp and host community. LEARN MOREOff-Grid Market Development Fund (OMDF)Program/Fund Type: Results-based financing; credit solutionsFunding Organization: World Bank and Government of MadagascarImplementing Organization/Fund Manager: Bamboo Capital Partners (Fund Manager)Closing Date: December 8, 2020 (first RBF submission)Location: MadagascarDescription: The Off-Grid Market Development Fund aims at increasing access to electricity in Madagascar via off-grid solar energy solutions, from solar lamps to entry-level Solar Home Systems (SHS). OMDF launches a Results-Based Financing (RBF) grant program with the first submission window for companies until 8 December. In parallel, OMDF is providing credit solutions to distributors and financial institutions active in the off-grid solar sector. LEARN MORE
Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP)Program/Fund Type: Results-based financing; Debt facilityFunding Organization: World BankImplementing Organization/Fund Manager: Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), Rural Electrification Authority, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum (implementing); SNV & Sunfunder (fund manager) Closing Date: November 6, 2020 (RBF); Debt facility continuously openLocation: KenyaDescription: RBF will avail a total of KES 450 Million in the form of incentives to solar service providers to sell Lighting Global/ Verasol Certified solar home systems. The Debt Facility will manage a total of US$30 Million in KES to support ongoing solar operator growth.LEARN MORE
Beyond the Grid Fund for AfricaProgram/Fund Type: Results-based financing, grants, reverse auctionFunding Organization: SIDA, Power AfricaImplementing Organization/Fund Manager: REEEP (implementing organization), NEFCO (fund manager) Closing Date: October 30, 2020 (pre-qualification)Location: Burkina Faso, Liberia, ZambiaDescription: Offers results-based financing to incentivise off-grid companies to expand, grow, and scale-up access to energy for customers living in rural and peri-urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa. €30 million will be offered as RBF in Burkina Faso, Liberia and Zambia during the first funding round. Solar energy kits must have VeraSol certificates, appliances must be tested to Global LEAP Awards test methods.LEARN MORE
BRILHO ProgrammeProgram/Fund Type: Catalytic grants; results-based financingFunding Organization: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); Government of MozambiqueImplementing Organization/Fund Manager: Closing Date: May 29, 2020 (EOI); August 2020 (Proposals)Location: MozambiqueDescription: BRILHO offers selected companies a mix of structured non-reimbursable funding and specialised support, to de-risk business initiatives that aim to achieve competitive commercial returns and provide off-grid energy solutions to low-income markets.LEARN MORE
USAID De-Risking Pay as You Go Solar Home Systems in Uganda Refugee Settings Program/Fund Type: GrantsFunding Organization: USAIDImplementing Organization/Fund Manager: Green Powered Technology, Energy 4 ImpactClosing Date: March 25, 2019Location: UgandaDescription: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Green Powered Technology, in partnership with Energy 4 Impact, would like to invite eligible companies to submit proposals for expanding access to Pay-As-You-Go Solar Home Systems in the Kiryandongo and Rwamwanja Refugee Settlements & Host Communities in Uganda. The program awarded $465,000 in grants in May 2019.LEARN MORE
Ignite Solar open tender of 300,000 solar home systemOrganization: IgniteClosing Date: August 2020Location: pan AfricaNumber of Products: 300,000Description: Ignite solar is working to expand operations and impact further, and increase their product offering through a structured, formal procurement process of 300,000 SHS reaching last-mile communities, with affordability and reliability leading the way.LEARN MORE
Heliophotomorphing 2Organization: PhoscopeClosing Date: n.d.Location: HaitiNumber of Products: 100Description: Pwojè Solé @ Matisan applies PhoScope’s design research in a collaborative project with Concepteurs Lumière Sans Frontières (LSF) to serve 50,000 in the slums of Martissant, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.LEARN MORE
Supply of 6000 Lighting Global quality-verified off-grid solar products for the Republic of YemenOrganization: World BankClosing Date: November 8, 2018Location: YemenNumber of Products: 6,000Description: The Yemen Emergency Electricity Access program will procure 6,000 Lighting Global quality verified solar lighting products. The project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by UNOPS.LEARN MORE
Solar Energy SuppliesOrganization: Mercy CorpsClosing Date: September 15, 2018Location: GlobalNumber of Products: n/a Description: n/aSupply of 120,000 solar home systems for rural households in ArgentinaOrganization: World BankClosing Date: January 9, 2018Location: ArgentinaNumber of Products: 120,000Description: n/a
