Procurement Guidance for Off- & Weak-Grid Energy Appliances (2025)
A new report in a from of handbook authored by CLASP in support of VeraSol and the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA) Programme under the Efficiency for Access Coalition (EforA) has been published. It gives procurement teams clear, practical steps to buy quality appliances for off-grid and weak-grid settings. It is written for projects and humanitarian programs that need durable, efficient, and cost-sound products. Clear, objective selection criteria improve transparency and value for money, reduce product risk, and support long-term impact. Here is our summary of the key points after going through the handbook for the first time.
What it covers
Appliance types: solar energy kits (SEKs), refrigerators, fans, solar water pumps, and solar LED streetlights. It is a living document, with more productive-use equipment to be added over time.
Definitions. Off-grid appliances run on solar/battery and are usually DC systems; weak-grid appliances operate through unstable grids and may switch between AC and DC.
How to use it (5 steps)
- Identify the appliance and use-case through stakeholder input and a needs assessment.
- Refer to the minimum and optional technical requirements for that category.
- Insert the chosen requirements into your tender.
- Add usability, repairability, and e-waste requirements.
- Set supplier requirements.
Quality and testing
Use recognized test methods and standards (IEC/VeraSol). Check the VeraSol Database to confirm that enough certified/tested products exist to keep tenders competitive. When possible, specify the energy service delivered (e.g., water volume per day) instead of rigid component sizes. Align with any national standards or rules.
Supplier due diligence
Confirm technical capacity and trained staff who can install, train users, and provide after-sales support. Check financial stability. Consider ISO 9001:2015-certified quality systems.
Sustainability and end-of-life
Plan for repairability, local service networks, and spare parts. Address e-waste in line with Basel Convention rules—both hazardous and non-hazardous e-waste are regulated from 1 January 2025—and include end-of-life requirements in tenders.
Source: Procurement Guidance for Off- and Weak-Grid Energy Appliances (June 2025), CLASP for VeraSol and the LEIA Programme.