E-MOBILITY and renewable energy company Switch Network and the Australian government’s Market Development Facility (MDF) are partnering to accelerate the use of rooftop solar solutions in Fiji.
This, it hopes to achieve by improving access to finance and strengthening marketing capabilities across the solar energy sector.
According to a joint statement issued by Switch and MDF, through the partnership, Switch will expand its leasing model to make solar energy more accessible and affordable.
It stated by reducing the upfront cost of installation, customers could adopt clean energy solutions through flexible monthly instalments while gaining real-time access to data on energy generation and consumption.
The partnership will also explore tailored marketing campaigns to attract key customer segments, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), supporting a broader update of renewable energy across diverse business communities.
Switch chief executive officer Alex Reddaway said the partnership marked a pivotal step in expanding access to clean energy solutions for Fijian household and businesses.
“MDF’s support will enable us to unlock untapped demand, reach new markets and offer more inclusive financial options, helping more people benefit from the long-term value of solar energy,” Mr Reddaway said.
MDF Fiji country director Kelera Cavuilati said they were supporting practical, market-driven solutions that would deliver real impact, especially when it came to inclusive growth and climate resilience.
“It’s a timely intervention that supports Fiji’s national climate commitments and strengthens long-term energy security, ensuring more Fijians can benefit from clean, affordable energy,” Ms Cavuilati said.
The Government’s Nationally Determined Contributions aims to generate close to 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
At present, approximately 55 per cent of the country’s electricity is produced from renewable sources, primarily hydro.
The joint statement said expanding rooftop solar access was critical to achieving those goals, while also enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
It said rooftop solar offered cost savings and climate resilience, but update remained limited particularly among small businesses, which faced high upfront costs and few financing options.
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Note: This article was first published under the headline: Solar solutions – Switch and MDF partnership to improve access to finance in Page 20 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Saturday, September 06, 2025
