The Global LEAP Awards Solar Generators Competition aims to identify and promote the best solar-powered generators for use in energy constrained settings, accelerating the global transition to high-quality, zero-emission power solutions.Globally, 666 million people still lack access to electricity and about 2.8 billion more live in areas with unreliable power supply. In these areas, diesel and gasoline generators are common backup power sources, which produce emissions that harm human health and worsen climate change. With more than 82.6 million diesel generators in use globally, the need for a cleaner, scalable alternative is clear.Solar generators offer a sustainable, safer, and more cost-effective solution over time. It is also referred to as “solar inverters”, “zero- emission generators”, “AC solar home systems” and “power stations.” Solar generators receive power from solar PV modules, store it in a battery, and provide electrical energy through AC and, in some cases, DC power outputs.However, given the nascency of the technology, a robust consumer protection framework has yet to be established to ensure the quality and safety of these systems, leaving buyers and consumers to navigate the market on their own or continue to rely on polluting fossil fuel generators.
What Products Will be EligibleProducts that meet the criteria below qualify to participate: General Criteria
- Commercially available solar generator, i.e., not a prototype
- Capable of powering typical electrical loads required by household and small commercial users
- Systems intended exclusively for powering a single-purpose device (e.g. an e-bike) are not eligible
- Key components of the solar generator (i.e., battery, charge controller and inverter) must be preconfigured and sold together as a kit
- Must include user manual and consumer-facing warranty policy
- Not knowingly in violation of another’s intellectual property
- Must be deployable and available for field evaluation by Administrator or its designee in Nigeria by 15 January 2026
Technical Criteria
- Power input: PV input mandatory, AC input optional [May be sold with or without PV module(s)]
- Power output: AC output mandatory, DC output optional, single-phase output only
- Designed for use in locations with grid electricity of 220-240 V, 50 Hz, and with AC appliances compatible with these conditions. Products operating at 120 V, 60 Hz may be considered if they are specifically designed for countries included in the scope of the Competition.
- No grid interactive systems, i.e., systems that feed power back into the grid.
- Component size limits:
- Battery maximum: 1000 Ah, 900 V; nickel-cadmium batteries not accepted
- PV array maximum: 50 kW, 120 A, 700 V
- Inverter input maximum: 50 kW, 120 A Isc, 2000 Voc
- Inverter output maximum: 113 kW, 300 V
Important Documentation Required for Preliminary EvaluationTo ensure products are safe for field deployment and evaluation in households, businesses, and institutions, participants must submit the required documents before the nomination window closes.Only products with complete documentation will advance to the next stage of the Awards competition. If a product does not yet have this documentation, we strongly encourage participants to begin the testing process as early as possible to avoid delays.
- IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2 test reports
- Battery safety documentation
- Battery Specification Sheet and Safety Data Sheets
- AC-DC power supply safety
