My Journey at JGH Solar
For the past year, I have had the pleasure of working as a project developer at JGH Solar, focusing on both private sector opportunities and donor-funded projects. Having spent the time navigating the unique challenges and opportunities that exist within these areas, I have been asked to share some insights from the solar industry, so here I go– giving it my best shot.
Solar energy is one of the most recognized and accessible forms of renewable energy, and this certainly rings true for the continent with some of the world’s highest solar irradiance. Working in Africa, where solar potential is immense, offers both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. Utility-scale projects are well-established, dominated by large international players or government institutions, while residential installations are typically handled by local developers. But the C&I market—solar systems for industrial businesses—is still finding its footing in terms of a viable business model.
Transitioning from Donor-Funded Projects to Commercial Applications
At JGH Solar, we have successfully built a presence within this market, and I would like to share some lessons learned. Transitioning our expertise from the donor-funded segment into commercial applications has required more than technical know-how—it has demanded careful navigation and significant adaptability.
The Importance of Donor-Funded Projects in Solar Development
For over 20 years, donor-funded projects have been the cornerstone and key focus for us at JGH Solar, providing a practical platform to demonstrate how solar energy can meet critical needs in underserved regions. These systems—whether powering rural health clinics or whole communities—fill infrastructure gaps and reliably deliver energy in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Over the years, these projects have created a blueprint for how solar can work where conventional energy systems fall short.
But when it comes to the C&I sector, particularly for small to midscale businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, the reality is more complex. You would expect that the success of donor projects would naturally translate into a booming private market. After all, the proof is there: solar systems can perform reliably in off-grid or weak-grid conditions, often under some of the toughest logistical constraints. Yet, achieving a clear and consistent breakthrough across the continent for mid-scale C&I projects remains a significant challenge.
Understanding the Differences Between Donor and C&I Solar Systems
The reasons for this gap are layered. For one, donor-funded systems and C&I installations often serve fundamentally different purposes. A clinic needs lights, refrigeration, and basic equipment to run consistently—efficiency is important, but functionality is paramount. On the other hand, businesses typically seek solutions that optimize their bottom line, minimize blackouts, and offer a clear return on investment. Bridging these two worlds requires more than tweaking system designs; it demands a shift in how we approach stakeholders, financing, and risk.
Unlike the relatively streamlined structure of donor projects (and here I mean the clear roles of stakeholders, not necessarily streamlined project implementation), commercial solar involves a much more fragmented set of players. Developers, financiers, and end-users all have unique priorities, and many of them build layers of risk hedging into their pricing. Compounding this complexity is the lack of a clear regulatory guidelines for C&I projects, which stands in contrast to the often-well-defined structures governing utility-scale solar. This regulatory ambiguity can discourage investment and further elongate decision-making processes. For smaller businesses operating on thin margins, these hurdles can be enough to put solar out of reach entirely.
The Need for Collaboration and Overcoming Sector Silos
Bridging these gaps requires building frameworks through thoughtful collaboration and a willingness to tackle difficult problems. Too often, stakeholders in the C&I sector operate in silos—installers, developers, and financiers each focusing on their piece of the puzzle rather than working toward a shared vision. Political risks, corruption, and the need for thorough due diligence are significant barriers, and they should never be overlooked. However, in our experience, these challenges can sometimes cause opportunities to be dismissed outright before they have been properly evaluated. The key is to approach these issues with care and pragmatism, recognizing the complexities without allowing them to stifle meaningful progress.
Building Long-Term Partnerships for Success
At JGH Solar, we have learned that success in this market depends on building long-term partnerships and fostering trust at every level. This means engaging local partners, empowering ground-level installers, and aligning stakeholders around a shared goal. When done thoughtfully, this collaborative approach creates shared value—not only for businesses but for the broader communities they serve. In many cases, this shared value naturally reflects the principles of corporate social responsibility, even in markets where formal ESG frameworks are not yet widely enforced. It is a reminder that the expansion of renewable energy can be more than a business opportunity; it can also be a catalyst for inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.
Broadening the Lens on Energy Development and Economic Growth
As a final consideration, I would urge players in the industry to broaden the lens through which we view energy development. Economies are not only built in capital cities. Distribution grids and infrastructure improvements take years, but small to midscale C&I systems could provide a vital stepping stone for businesses and communities caught in the middle. Donor-funded systems address immediate needs, and utility-scale projects promise long-term energy stability. But what about the in-between? This is where C&I solar can have a transformative impact, providing reliable energy for businesses that drive local economies, particularly in regions facing the dual pressures of meeting international emission targets and fostering domestic growth.
Overcoming Barriers and Shaping the Future of the C&I Solar Market
Perhaps it is this combination of fragmented stakeholders, financial barriers, and regulatory ambiguity that keeps many away from the C&I market. But that hasn’t stopped us at JGH Solar. We will continue to navigate the space with patience, persistence, and creativity. We believe that the business model is there. For me, I am just grateful for the opportunity to get to play even just a small part in shaping the C&I arena in Africa, and I think that it is genuinely rewarding to represent a company that focuses on solutions, not barriers.