The Solar Kiosk E-HUBB is a self-contained modular structure that can be deployed for a number of applications, from a restaurant to a refugee camp, in off-grid communities.

Since 2012, the Solar Kiosk E-HUBB has been using solar power to bring new commercial opportunities to off-grid communities in East Africa. The E-HUBB is modular and scalable, meaning it can be used in a range of applications – from a store selling essential goods, to a cinema, to a medical centre. The components are prefabricated and delivered disassembled, meaning they can more easily be transported to remote communities.

As implied in the name, the Solar Kiosk E-HUBB is powered by solar panels, with up to four kilowatts of photovoltaic capacity. It is fitted with a battery, lengthening the operational capacity. A key focus has been to stock the stores with solar products like stoves and lights to improve access to clean energy – in fact, the company estimates they have sold 200,000 of these products already.

Solar Kiosk E-HUBBs can be connected and share energy, effectively creating a mini-grid in off-grid areas. Multiple kiosks can create Connected Solar Market Centres, resembling a rural mall. Within these commercial hubs are new employment opportunities: Across 230 E-HUBBs installed, employees have received over 20,000 hours of training in useful business skills like stocktaking.

To date, E-HUBBs have been installed in 11 countries, reaching an estimated five million consumers.

At present,1.5 billion people live in off-grid communities, meaning they have little or no access to reliable and clean electricity. A lack of electricity can limit services like telecommunications, and access to education materials, health care, clean cooking technology, and heating. Solar Kiosk E-HUBBs represent an opportunity to drive clean electricity access in remote and disconnected areas while simultaneously stimulating commercial activity and economic growth.