d.light raises US$10.5 million for off-grid solar

January 16, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
For-profit social enterprise d.light has raised more funds for its off-grid solutions business, to provide electricity access to rural communities. Source: d.light

Solar product distributor d.light has raised another US$10.5 million, bringing its total to US$40 million in four months for off-grid ventures in Africa and Asia.

The company uses Pay-as-you-Go (PayGo) financing solutions to distribute solar-generating products to those in low-income families, often in remote communities. Off-grid solar is an ideal solution in such situations, with renewables being obvious choices for the construction of mini-grid and off-grid projects as they do not have the prerequisite of connectivity to a centralised or national electricity transmission line.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

US$5 million was raised in equity from Norwegian state-owned investor Norfund and US$5.5 million in grant funding from Beyond the Grid and Shell Foundation.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of the investors in this latest funding round, which will help us empower more people in these regions,” said Ned Tozun, d.light CEO. “The demand for off-grid solar is taking off, and we’re now well prepared to meet the needs of customers who need our products the most.”

Most recently, d.light raised US$22.5 million Series D funding and US$7.5 million in debt funding. 

Read Next

Premium
March 27, 2026
PV Tech Premium explores the challenges of solar panel recycling, the evolving policy landscape and opportunities for recyclers in the US.
March 27, 2026
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has begun an investigation into tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar products in the US, following a complaint by US thin-film module manufacturer First Solar.
March 27, 2026
Two module production facilities in China have been awarded the first Supply Traceability Standard certifications by Europe’s Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI).
March 27, 2026
Axpo will supply 83GWh of solar to McDonald’s under a 10-year PPA, while EDP adds 90MW with two Navarra PV plants.
March 27, 2026
New system-level modelling from the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) has revealed that achieving ultra-low-cost solar targets could create a 2,000GW-scale solar PV market in Australia.
March 26, 2026
French independent power producer Qair has signed a power purchase agreement with Brazilian LPG distributor Ultragaz for the Bom Jardim solar PV project.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland