A growing number of people are served with SHS via Pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) financing. For many consumers, not only is the solar product their first access to modern energy but it may also be their first access to finance. Consumers are exposed to product, service, and financial risk that companies must mitigate and balance with growth objectivs.

Village Enterprise implements an evidence-based “poverty graduation” program that is recognized as a cost-effective way to alleviate poverty for rural households. The program offers training, mentoring and a cash grant to start a small business – as well as access to a business saving group – to first-time entrepreneurs living on less than US $1.90