One of the key constraints in improving energy access in the renewable energy sector is the availability and affordability of financing. For women-owned or -led micro, small, or medium enterprises (WMSMEs) that are either selling or distributing renewable energy products themselves, or interested in purchasing renewable energy products to expand or grow their businesses, there are several different potential sources of financing. This research investigates the demand and supply of
financial products and services provided by a select group of financiers to the renewable energy sector, namely: (1) renewable energy– or gender lens investment–focused impact funds; (2) financial service providers (FSPs), including banks, microfinance institutions, cooperatives, and fintech companies and (3) renewable energy product companies that have developed their own consumer financing.
