FRES Solar Limited
FRES Solar Limited is a Ugandan renewable energy company established in 2010, with more than 15 years of experience providing decentralised energy solutions to underserved and last-mile communities.
The company is backed by Impact Opportunities II B.V., an impact investment vehicle involving Urban Impact Ventures and a Dutch family office, supporting FRES Solar’s ambition to scale commercially sustainable and inclusive energy access in Uganda.
FRES Solar operates an Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, providing affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity through Solar Home Systems (SHS) and solar mini-grids. Rather than selling the systems outright, FRES Solar retains responsibility for the assets and provides customers with an ongoing electricity service for an affordable recurring fee.
The company manages the full lifecycle of its energy systems, including installation, operation, preventive and corrective maintenance, equipment replacement and customer support. This approach enables FRES Solar to maintain system performance and provide customers with a reliable long-term energy service.
FRES Solar currently serves more than 5,000 customers, comprising households, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and institutions, supported by an established network of service centres and field teams across Western and Southwestern Uganda.
FRES Solar
Growing Mini-Grid Portfolio
Alongside its Solar Home System business, FRES Solar is increasingly expanding its role in Uganda’s mini-grid sector. The company currently operates three FRES-developed solar mini-grids and is developing a fourth mini-grid site.
More recently, the Government of Uganda entrusted FRES Solar with the operation and management of six additional government-developed mini-grids in Kasese and Rubirizi. FRES Solar is working with the relevant government authorities on the operational transition and planned rehabilitation and expansion of these sites.
This growing portfolio positions FRES Solar to combine its experience in greenfield mini-grid development with the rehabilitation and sustainable operation of existing public rural-energy infrastructure.
Local Capacity and Impact
FRES Solar places strong emphasis on building local technical and operational capacity. The company provides employment and skills-development opportunities within the communities it serves and offers internship and practical training opportunities to students from technical institutions, contributing to the development of Uganda’s renewable-energy workforce.
Headquartered in Mbarara, Uganda, FRES Solar combines extensive local operating experience with international impact-investment backing. Its ambition is to significantly expand access to clean and reliable electricity while demonstrating that serving rural and last-mile communities can deliver both meaningful social and economic impact and long-term commercial sustainability.