As the world pushes toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7—universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy—renewable energy technologies are playing a central role. But there’s a critical component missing from the conversation: the right to repair.
At Barrel, we’re deeply invested in creating energy solutions that last and empower communities. But in many rural and low-income regions, solar-powered systems used for productive purposes—such as irrigation, food preservation, or small-scale manufacturing—are breaking down more often than they should. And worse, they’re staying broken.
The Hidden Cost of Downtime
In regions where access to energy is already a challenge, productive use equipment (PUE) like solar water pumps, solar fridges, or energy-efficient sewing machines are often vital to livelihoods. But frequent exposure to harsh conditions, normal wear and tear, or minor manufacturing flaws can lead to failures.
What happens when a device breaks down? Often, users are left with three choices:
- Wait weeks or months for manufacturer support (if it’s available at all)
- Pay high costs for replacement units
- Abandon the system entirely
This not only affects productivity and income, but undermines trust in renewable technologies and increases e-waste—ironically countering the very goals clean energy aims to support.
What Is the Right to Repair?
The “Right to Repair” refers to the legal right for consumers and independent technicians to access the tools, parts, and documentation needed to fix products.
In the context of PUE technologies, this means:
- Transparent and publicly available repair manuals
- Accessible spare parts
- Product designs that prioritize modularity and ease of repair
These aren’t radical ideas—they’re essential principles that extend product lifespans, reduce ownership costs, and create local economic opportunities.
Why It Matters for SDG7
A repair-friendly ecosystem is a win-win for everyone involved in the clean energy value chain:
- Consumers can extend the life of their systems, reduce costs, and continue generating income.
- Local technicians gain skills and job opportunities, supporting community resilience.
- Manufacturers and service providers benefit from improved customer trust and reduced logistics strain from frequent replacements.
- Governments and donors see higher returns on energy investments and lower environmental impacts.
It’s also aligned with SDG12—responsible consumption and production—and with circular economy principles that advocate for minimizing waste and maximizing resource use.
What Needs to Change?
To realize this vision, supportive policy frameworks are essential. Regulations should require:
- Free and public access to repair information
- Product design standards that enable disassembly and component replacement
- Clear guidelines for warranty and repair timelines
Moreover, awareness campaigns, training programs, and investment in local repair infrastructure must accompany regulatory changes to ensure they translate into real-world impact.
Our Commitment
At Barrel, we believe energy solutions should empower users not just at the point of installation, but throughout the entire lifecycle of the system. That’s why we provide remote support for any type of repair from day one—ensuring that users have access to reliable guidance whenever issues arise.
Thanks to the integration of AI-powered assistance, our support is available in most spoken languages, making it easier for users across different regions to troubleshoot problems, access repair instructions, and communicate with our team effectively.
By combining durable design, multilingual support, and a proactive approach to repairs, we aim to reduce system downtime, build user confidence, and make energy access truly sustainable.
Let’s make energy access sustainable in every sense of the word—starting with the right to repair.
Further reading: Right to Repair: A Case for Regulations Supporting PUE Consumers and SDG 7