PNG: Solar power – a tool for empowerment and transformation

More accessible and affordable off grid and home solar power systems are making a huge difference to the lives of people in PNG. Approximately 60% of households now use solar energy, which is a dramatic increase from 2% in 2012.

Global Product Sourcing & Distribution (GPSD) – Solar Energy is a full-service solar business in PNG. It is a VeraSol Quality Certified vendor and retailer, but it also conducts all site assessments, design and installation of the solar systems and training for locals.

One of their core strengths is their capability to install systems in remote areas that are beyond the reach of the national electricity grid.

Business owner Joe Nete says, “We go places a lot of other contractors would not go. We’re delivering on the ground, remote areas, mountainous areas. In remote areas – that is where the need is in PNG. It can help social change.”

Joe says they are committed to helping achieve the Government’s target of ‘70% of homes with solar power by 2030 and 100% by 2050’. “We have a long-term plan to improve the lives of rural communities.”

BLP helped GPSD Solar Energy evaluate their business and connect with the right advisory services to strengthen their operations. The business now employs 30 people and has a warehouse and two shops.

“BLP provide a holistic approach, it’s not just about providing funds; their approach gives businesses the skills to grow by connecting them with advisor experts. This is a much more realistic, effective approach.”

“During COVID-19, BLP supported us 100% by engaging business advisors to do our marketing and business plans which really helped us a lot. The subsidised advice enabled us to design our website and have our financial reports and IRC tax returns completed and filed on time.”  GPSD Solar has worked with Beach Accounting Advisory, Spectrum Group PNG and SNS Tech.

“We’ve also received two grants, one in 2024 and one in 2022. We have used these to buy solar stocks for our shops.”

GPSD Solar Energy is a member of the Solar Energy Association of Papua New Guinea – a body that advocates for members, encourages skills and training and promotes the benefits of solar to the community.

For homes and businesses, traditional energy sources, like diesel generators, can be expensive and difficult to maintain due to the high costs of fuel and transportation to remote areas. Solar energy, once installed, is much more cost-effective and requires minimal upkeep.

Of the wide multitude of businesses, institutions and homes that have been installed systems by GPSD Solar, they are very proud of the work they’ve done to help community education and health facilities.

With reliable electricity from solar panels, students can study after sunset, and schools can use educational technologies. It also facilitates community development by enabling access to communication tools like mobile phones and internet.

In PNG, BLP works in partnership with the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion, the Lae Chamber of Commerce, Kina Bank, Women’s Micro Bank and the SME Corporation.

BLP facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support. To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.

The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.