Building on lessons learned from our previous solar interventions is that sustainable market growth requires a shift from a purely hardware-driven approach to a service-oriented business model. This means strengthening market functions that ensure professional installation, reliable maintenance, long-term technical support, and quality after-sales services. Such services not only improve customer confidence and system performance but also create new business opportunities for local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
To address existing market constraints, VSDP focuses on strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of local MSMEs so they can become trusted solar service providers. The program supports MSMEs in obtaining certification, develops a pool of skilled and certified technicians in the sector.
In addition, VSDP promotes the productive use of solar energy across subsectors such as household solar systems, fish processing, irrigation, salt production, and rubber smokehouses. At the same time, the program collaborates with market actors to address financing barriers that often prevent low-income households and small businesses from investing in solar solutions.
By promoting stronger market linkages, building local service ecosystems, and expanding access to affordable clean energy solutions, VSDP is helping to create a more resilient solar market that delivers lasting economic and social benefits to communities in Mon State, where access to grid electricity is limited and long power cut and load shedding are common.