What is the Solarkiosk Project?
Solarkiosk Solutions GmbH is shaking up the way rural off-grid communities access energy and connectivity. At the heart of their innovation lies the “E-HUBB” — an award-winning, proprietary solar technology design that acts as a multi-functional “business-in-a-box.” These E-HUBBs are not just solar kiosks; they’re gateways powering energy, connectivity, and productivity in some of the world’s most remote areas. Since 2011, Solarkiosk has deployed around 250 E-HUBBs across 15 countries, reaching approximately 5 million people. The project combines quality solar products with turnkey solutions, creating sustainable businesses in frontier markets worldwide. It’s a trading platform, system integrator, service provider, and business incubator all rolled into one, aiming to empower rural communities with clean energy and economic opportunities.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Solarkiosk’s impact is impressive and measurable. Here are some key facts that highlight the project’s reach and effectiveness:
- Approx. 250 E-HUBBs deployed worldwide in 15 countries
- Reaching around 5 million people in off-grid communities
- Operations led in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, Jordan, and Bangladesh
- Hundreds employed and millions served with solar products and services
- Partnerships with global giants such as ABInBev, The Coca-Cola Company, MunichRe, Total, Siemens, and Ericsson
- Solutions developed for humanitarian sectors, including solar-powered medical clinics and schools in refugee camps
Mission, Vision, and Strategy
Solarkiosk’s mission is crystal clear: design, develop, deploy, and scale solar solutions intertwined with impactful business models for frontier markets. Their vision? To become the leading provider of sustainable renewable energy solutions for these markets. The strategy is dynamic and multi-faceted — diversifying product portfolios, growing worldwide distribution channels, catalyzing strategic partnerships across sectors like renewable energy, connectivity, health, education, and agri-business. They also focus on incubating and deploying sustainable solar-powered technologies, localizing production capacity, and developing finance options through franchise, licensing, and leasing models. It’s a comprehensive approach that’s as ambitious as it is practical.
Core Values Driving the Project
What makes Solarkiosk tick? Their core values are the backbone of every decision and action:
- Sustainability: Ensuring environmental, social, and economic incentives last long-term.
- Quality: Committed to the highest standards because only quality products create lasting impact.
- Flexibility: Tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of each customer.
- Integrity: Transparency and win-win relationships are non-negotiable.
These values aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the foundation for building trust and fostering genuine, lasting change in frontier markets.
Leadership Behind the Innovation
The vision and execution of Solarkiosk are powered by experienced leaders like Thomas Rieger and Andreas Spiess. Thomas brings over 15 years in the photovoltaic industry, with a passion for innovation and creating inclusive, sustainable business models that truly improve livelihoods. Andreas, a lawyer and entrepreneur, has been dedicated to frontier markets for years, co-founding pioneering companies in rural electrification across Sub-Saharan Africa. His expertise in last-mile distribution and rural electrification laid the groundwork for Solarkiosk’s critically acclaimed concept. Together, they steer the company with a clear focus on impact and sustainability.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being (through solar-powered clinics and schools)
- SDG 5: Gender Equality (empowering women entrepreneurs)
- SDG 13: Climate Action (reducing reliance on fossil fuels)
Empowering Rural Communities and Entrepreneurs
At its core, Solarkiosk is about more than just solar power. It’s about creating opportunities — especially for women — by enabling local entrepreneurs to run productive businesses powered by clean energy. From mini-clinics and schools to internet cafés and water purification stations, the E-HUBB supports a wide range of activities that improve health, education, and economic conditions. The renewable energy generated and stored can power everything from viewing halls to hairdressers, all run by local business owners. Through a robust last-mile distribution network, Solarkiosk tackles the health and environmental challenges linked to fossil fuels, while opening doors to financial inclusion and sustainable consumer goods. It’s a holistic approach that’s lighting up lives and livelihoods in some of the world’s most underserved places.
