Spark

Sparking a Brighter Future

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Authors

Josephine Crop

Josephine Crop

Jay Blomme

Jay Blomme

Izair Thomas

Izair Thomas

School

Avans University of Applied Sciences

Avans University of Applied Sciences

Professor

Janne Toonen

Janne Toonen

Global Goals

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

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Summary

Spark is a Dutch company that provides modular, off-grid solar energy systems to communities that struggle with reliable electricity access. Their flagship product, the Spark Solar Kit, brings together solar panels, batteries, and energy-efficient appliances into a flexible ecosystem that can expand as households' and villages' needs grow. They’re collaborating with partners across various countries in Africa and Asia, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, and Bangladesh.

With their integrated pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) model linked to the user-friendly Spark Portal, customers can ease into ownership by paying for their systems in manageable installments. Plus, Spark provides support to local distributors through financing, training, and ongoing technical assistance, ensuring the sustainable deployment and maintenance of these systems. Having tens of thousands of installations under its belt, Spark is making a significant social and environmental impact.


Innovation

Spark is driven by the belief that access to clean and reliable energy can transform daily life in underserved communities. Their mission, “Let tomorrow be a bright day,” reflects their goal of bringing both opportunity and empowerment to households without stable electricity. By focusing on simple, modular solar solutions and affordable PAYGo payments, Spark makes renewable energy accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford high upfront costs.


Sparking a Brighter Future

Inspiration

What really sets Spark apart is the modularity of its energy systems. Households can start with a basic setup and gradually add more solar panels, batteries, or compatible appliances as their energy needs grow. This step-wise approach eliminates the hurdle of a big upfront investment and helps users progressively climb the “energy ladder.”

But it’s not just about the hardware. The Spark Portal smartly integrates PAYGo technology with mobile money and SMS systems, automates payments, and provides distributors with real-time insights into customer status. This easy digital setup boosts reliability and reduces administrative headaches. Plus, there’s the Spark Invest program, which offers credit to distributors with repayment plans that match consumer payment flows, allowing partners to scale faster without heavy upfront capital.

Spark also puts a big emphasis on long-term product responsibility. They offer ongoing customer support, technical service, and training for local technicians—key for a sustainable off-grid approach. The combination of technical flexibility, financial innovation, and local capacity building makes Spark’s model truly forward-thinking and inspirational.

Spark is truly inspiring because it shows how clean energy can make a real difference in the lives of underserved communities. Their motto, “Let tomorrow be a bright day,” captures their mission to bring both literal and figurative light to areas where electricity is scarce or absent.

By partnering with local organizations and training community technicians, Spark demonstrates that renewable energy isn’t just an abstract idea; it’s a practical solution that empowers individuals. Their PAYGo system also improves financial inclusion, allowing customers to pay in a way that suits their budget.

Looking ahead, Spark's vision adds to its appeal. Their plans include enabling energy sharing at the community level so neighbors can trade surplus electricity and incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) features for smarter energy management. This move towards decentralized, community-led micro-energy networks empowers customers to take an active role in building a sustainable energy future.


Overall impact

Spark is making a significant impact on the mission for SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. By providing off-grid households with reliable renewable power, they’re helping to ensure universal access to sustainable energy. Their solutions have already reached hundreds of thousands of people, improving living conditions by enabling lighting, studying, small business operations, and everyday tasks that require steady electricity

Additionally, PAYGo technology and accessible financing bolster economic resilience. Households aren’t weighed down by high upfront costs, while the Spark Portal’s digital infrastructure ensures efficient management, ongoing operability, and system maintenance.


Business benefit

Spark's approach is not just about making a social difference; it also has a solid business angle. The Spark Invest program empowers distributor partners to grow quickly without investing heavily upfront, helping Spark broaden its market presence and take advantage of economies of scale. Thanks to the PAYGo model, we see steady and predictable revenue as customers make consistent automated payments through the Spark Portal.

Plus, the integration with mobile money systems makes it easier for everyone to get on board while minimizing operational risks. By focusing on technical training and after-sales support, Spark builds a reliable service backbone that boosts customer satisfaction and reduces system hiccups.

What’s more, Spark’s commitment to making a positive impact really resonates with investors. Their unique mix of measurable social benefits and scalable financial performance makes them a compelling choice for investment. With exciting plans for energy sharing, higher-capacity systems, and IoT integration, Spark is gearing up to tap new markets, such as smart microgrids, which will open even more revenue opportunities and foster long-term growth.


Social and environmental benefit

The environmental benefits are impressive as well. Through solar energy adoption, Spark has helped to prevent substantial CO₂ emissions, aligning with global climate goals. Plus, their operations and partnerships are creating thousands of jobs, which strengthens local economies. The modular design of their products allows communities to grow at their own pace, fostering long-term development.


Interview

Harmen van Heist, Founder

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Business information

Spark

Spark

Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Senegal, Chad, CF
Business Website: https://sparkenergy.io
Year Founded: 2013
Number of Employees: 201 to 500

“Provide access to clean, safe, and sustainable energy with the Spark Solar Kit. Every Solar Kit is part of a complete ecosystem that includes our PayGo-integrated Spark portal, on-site support, and the products. Thanks to its modular nature, the ecosystem grows along with the development of the village and the needs of our partners.”