Selling and installing solar kits for off-grid homes
Starting costs about 2,260,000 NGN in Nigeria and 567,000 KES in Kenya. After 12 months, this business can bring in about 452,000 NGN net per month in Nigeria and 65,400 KES in Kenya. The starting money comes back in about 13 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 2,260,000 NGN | 452,000 NGN |
| Kenya | 567,000 KES | 65,400 KES |
| India | 276,000 INR | 47,700 INR |
| Philippines | 270,000 PHP | 39,100 PHP |
| South Africa | 87,600 ZAR | 12,100 ZAR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
In poorly served areas, homes and small shops face blackouts and spend on fuel, batteries or candles for lighting and phone charging.
The solution
A shop that sells and installs solar kits (panel, battery, lights, USB sockets), with cash or instalment payment and nearby after-sales service.
Your customers
Rural or peri-urban households, small shops, schools and clinics without reliable grid power, plus isolated houses and holiday homes.
How you make money
20-30% margin on kits costing €100-1,000, plus €20-60 for installation and maintenance packages.
Competition
Large pay-as-you-go solar companies, market sellers of low-quality products, hardware stores and online sales without installation.
Who has an edge
A locally known electrician or shopkeeper who picks reliable products, installs neatly and stays reachable when something breaks.
The risks
Counterfeit or fragile products, unpaid instalments, cash tied up in stock and price pressure.
The first 3 steps
- Compare three suppliers and test one kit for a month.
- Visit twenty homes or shops to gauge needs and ability to pay.
- Install five pilot kits for influential people in the neighbourhood.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €6,500 − costs €5,200 = €1,300 net per month. Revenue: 13 kits × €500, installation included. Costs: kit purchases, transport, tools, phone, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Solar kits for homes?
About 2,260,000 NGN (Nigeria), 567,000 KES (Kenya), 276,000 INR (India), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about 452,000 NGN (Nigeria), 65,400 KES (Kenya), 47,700 INR (India) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 13 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Counterfeit or fragile products, unpaid instalments, cash tied up in stock and price pressure.
Where do I start?
1. Compare three suppliers and test one kit for a month. 2. Visit twenty homes or shops to gauge needs and ability to pay. 3. Install five pilot kits for influential people in the neighbourhood.
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