Mainstreaming off-grid solar products could go a long toward preparing vulnerable communities for the increasing damages of climate change. To support that work, the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA), Practical Action and Ikea are collaborating on a strategic guide called the Off-Grid Solar Resilience and Adaptation Framework. The document is now in beta, available as a spreadsheet intended for real-world usage and feedback. GOGLA will refine the document and publish a prime-time version in 2026.
“These resources are invaluable for strengthening climate resilience and adaptation as the challenges intensify. Building on our cross-cutting expertise and learning, we’ll deepen our impact by bringing together the right partners and influencing policies to expand energy access, reduce disaster risks, enhance adaptation, improve agricultural livelihoods, and support more inclusive, resilient communities,” Mattia Vianello, Head of Energy at Practical Action, said in a statement.
The framework describes the vital role off-grid solar products play in climate adaptation planning, financing, and implementation. It should guide policymakers, development practitioners, climate financiers and innovators as they consider whether and how to integrate off-grid solar solutions into their adaptation work. The framework is versatile enough for use in national-level planning and local project design.
Off-grid solar impact areas
The framework describes impacts in four use cases: infrastructure, livelihoods, information access, and emergency response.
Critical Infrastructure and Services
Off-grid solar systems enhance the resilience of electricity access during climate-induced grid disruptions and extend energy infrastructure to off-grid communities. They power essential services like water purification and healthcare delivery, including solar-powered cold chains for vaccine preservation.
Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
Solar-powered irrigation, processing, and storage systems enable smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs to maintain productivity despite shifting climate conditions, offering a pathway to economic stability and food security.
Access to Climate Information and Early Warnings
By powering communication networks and devices, off-grid solar ensures timely delivery of weather alerts and early warnings, enabling communities to anticipate and respond effectively to climate threats.
Post-Disaster Response
Mobile and rapidly deployable off-grid solar units are critical for restoring basic services and powering emergency shelters after natural disasters, when grid infrastructure is often compromised.
The case for off-grid solar products
Off-grid solar products should have a role in climate change resiliency, and the framework helps stakeholders determine where they fit in.
The framework guides policymakers and planners as they incorporate off-grid solar into national adaptation plans, disaster preparedness strategies, and local development projects. It shows climate finance institutions and donors when they should prioritize and fund off-grid solar as a credible solution, and support deployment at scale. And it guides innovators in the private sector to align product development with climate resilience needs such as mobility and durability.
The framework is accompanied by two other resources – guidance for using off-grid solar products, and a report for off-grid solar companies and other stakeholders.
At its best, the framework and guidance should empower stakeholders, mapping the way forward for scaling climate resilience through clean, distributed energy solutions. Real-world usage and feedback could improve their utility. Take a look at the framework and other resources in the margin to the right.
