Village solar mini-grid with prepaid meters
Starting costs about $93,700 in the United States and 16,600,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,120 net per month in the United States and 527,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 4 years, with 45 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) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $93,700 | $2,120 |
| Nigeria | 16,600,000 NGN | 527,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £63,800 | £1,500 |
| Kenya | 4,210,000 KES | 72,700 KES |
| India | 2,070,000 INR | 53,000 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Isolated villages and neighbourhoods still lack reliable power, holding back productive activities such as refrigeration, welding, tailoring or water pumping.
The solution
A solar plant with batteries feeds a small local grid; each home or shop has a prepaid meter topped up by mobile payment.
Your customers
Villages or neighbourhoods of 50-300 households without reliable grid, with small shops, workshops, schools and health centres.
How you make money
€10-50 connection fee, then prepaid electricity per kWh or a monthly bundle of €3-20 depending on use.
Competition
Public grid extension, individual solar kits, private generator owners selling power and other mini-grid operators.
Who has an edge
A local engineer or entrepreneur able to raise funds, win community and government approval, and lead a technical team.
The risks
Regulated permits and tariffs, arrival of the public grid, lower demand than expected, theft, unpaid bills and battery replacement costs.
The first 3 steps
- Choose a site and measure demand household by household.
- Study mini-grid regulations and available subsidies.
- Build a financial plan and meet donors and impact investors.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €3,000 − costs €1,500 = €1,500 net per month. Revenue: 250 households × €12 monthly plan. Costs: panel and battery depreciation, maintenance, payment platform, 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: Village solar mini-grid?
About $93,700 (United States), 16,600,000 NGN (Nigeria), £63,800 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,120 (United States), 527,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,500 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 4 years, with 45 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Regulated permits and tariffs, arrival of the public grid, lower demand than expected, theft, unpaid bills and battery replacement costs.
Where do I start?
1. Choose a site and measure demand household by household. 2. Study mini-grid regulations and available subsidies. 3. Build a financial plan and meet donors and impact investors.
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