Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE): Connecting Off-Grid Communities and Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals
To date, over 666 million people worldwide still live without access to electricity. Most of these individuals reside in remote areas, far from cities and national power grids, often with low incomes, making it difficult for them to be covered by conventional electricity infrastructure. Fortunately, with advancements in technology and declining costs, decentralized renewable energy (DRE)—especially solar photovoltaic (PV) systems—are emerging as a vital force in bridging the energy access gap, thanks to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability in deployment.
While most countries have not yet fully tracked the use of off-grid renewable energy, the overall trend is steadily improving. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)'s 2024 Off-grid Renewable Energy Statistics Report, the global landscape currently shows:
- Total installed capacity of off-grid renewable power has reached 11.1 gigawatts (GW);
- Electricity access has been provided to 86 million people worldwide, with over 75% of the beneficiaries located in Africa;
- Beyond household electricity needs, more than 2 million off-grid renewable energy systems are delivering energy services across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, public lighting, tourism, and communications;
- However, many households relying on off-grid systems still receive less than 8 hours of electricity per day, primarily for basic lighting and simple uses such as charging phones and radios—indicating a continued gap in accessing energy services that could support productive and developmental needs.
Off-Grid Renewable Energy: A Practical Driver for the SDGs
DRE systems bring energy generation and distribution closer to the end user. By doing so, they not only address basic electricity needs but also energize local economies and societies, directly or indirectly supporting the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
🟢 SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
Distributed energy systems often require local installation, operation, and maintenance, thereby creating green employment and entrepreneurial opportunities within communities.
For example, in a coastal fishing village in Kwale County, Kenya, a decentralized PV solution was introduced, including roof-mounted and ground-based PV support structures supplied by professional solar system integrators. These structures power cold storage facilities for the fishing community.
This system enables fishermen to refrigerate their catch even on days when they cannot go to sea due to bad weather, preventing losses, stabilizing incomes, and reducing reliance on unstable main grids—while also increasing product value and market competitiveness.
Such support structures are typically provided by globally experienced PV mounting suppliers, such as Lianbang Solar (http://www.lianbangsolar.com) from China, whose products are widely used in both off-grid and on-grid projects across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
🟡 SDG 5 – Gender Equality
In Bugesera District, Eastern Province, Rwanda, a group of women farmers faced persistent challenges in accessing water for irrigation. Coming together in a cooperative, they introduced a renewable energy solution comprising a solar-powered water pump and irrigation system, supported by robust PV mounting structures that ensured long-term durability in varying climatic conditions.
With access to clean and reliable electricity, they transformed formerly arid and unproductive land into high-yield fruit and vegetable farms. This not only achieved self-sufficiency but also allowed surplus produce to be sold locally, stimulating economic growth in the village. Behind such success stories are often companies like Lianbang Solar, which provide locally adapted PV installation and support solutions to ensure system reliability, empowering women to play a greater role in agriculture and energy.
🔵 SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
In Epworth, a rural area of Zimbabwe, a school installed an off-grid solar-powered water borehole system, giving students and teachers access to clean and reliable drinking water for the first time. Children who previously missed school due to thirst and hunger can now attend classes regularly and engage in basic digital learning using the electricity provided by the system.
The PV mounting structures used in the project ensured the durability and safety of the equipment even in harsh conditions such as high temperatures and dust. In addition, the community has started using surplus electricity to develop a small solar-powered mushroom farm, converting agricultural waste into nutritious food and further promoting circular economy practices and self-reliance.
In this process, reliable PV mounting systems serve as the “invisible backbone” ensuring the long-term stability of off-grid energy projects.
🟣 SDG 4 – Quality Education
In the Hogave community of Papua New Guinea, a hybrid energy system combining mini-hydro and solar PV has delivered stable green electricity to local schools and public facilities. Students can now study at night using electric lighting, and teachers are able to charge digital devices for use as teaching aids.
The deployment of such hybrid systems often requires customized installation designs based on local terrain, climate, and usage scenarios—including the selection and layout of rooftop, ground, or carport mounting structures. Global suppliers like Lianbang Solar offer a diverse product range—including ground mounts, rooftop mounts, carport mounts, and multi-scenario integrated solutions—providing key technical support to educational energy projects in remote regions around the world.
PV Mounting Systems: The “Last Mile” Supporting Green Energy Deployment
In all off-grid and hybrid energy projects, while often overlooked, PV mounting systems are a critical foundation that ensures the safety, efficiency, and longevity of solar modules. Whether installed on metal sheet roofs, concrete rooftops, ground carports, or large-scale ground-mounted power plants, the stability, wind resistance, and adjustability of the mounting structure directly influence the performance and lifespan of the entire system.
Take Lianbang Solar (http://www.lianbangsolar.com) as an example. This China-based, globally serving solar company specializes in the R&D and manufacturing of PV mounting systems and integrated energy solutions. The company owns two proprietary brands: “连邦 (Lianbang)” and “TARGETSolar”, and offers a wide range of products, including:
- Metal sheet roof PV mounting systems
- Concrete roof PV mounting systems
- Ground carport and ground-mounted PV station support systems
Additionally, Lianbang Solar provides a variety of integrated solutions such as off-grid systems, on-grid systems, hybrid energy systems, wind-solar complementary systems, and EMS (Energy Management Systems), catering to the needs of households, commercial & industrial users, and large utility-scale projects alike.
Beyond high-quality products, Lianbang Solar emphasizes global localized services. Through its extensive sales and technical support network, the company assists EPC contractors, project developers, investors, and end users throughout the entire process—from preliminary assessment, feasibility and return analysis, system design, to installation guidance and after-sales operation & maintenance—ensuring each project is successfully implemented and truly delivers sustainable energy solutions to communities.
Conclusion: Making Universal Energy Access a Reality
Distributed renewable energy (DRE) is becoming a key pillar of the global energy transition. Especially in areas beyond the reach of traditional power grids, it not only brings light to homes but also creates development opportunities for entire communities. From advancing women’s economic independence, to improving educational environments for children; from ensuring access to clean water, to generating local green jobs—the social and environmental value unleashed by DRE goes far beyond electricity itself.
In this journey, companies like Lianbang Solar, with their focus on high-quality PV mounting systems and integrated energy solutions, play a crucial “behind-the-scenes supporting role.” With their professional expertise, reliable products, and global service network, they form the solid foundation for off-grid and hybrid energy projects around the world—serving as the essential force behind every light, every device, and every spark of hope.
If you are looking for reliable PV mounting systems, off-grid or hybrid energy solutions, or want to learn how these technologies can contribute to achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), please visit the Lianbang Solar official website or contact their professional team via email (ali@lianbangsolar.com ) to obtain customized support and project consultation.