Where better to test the latest and most advanced solar power technology than in an area where the sun shines most: Africa. About 600 million Africans are without electricity and away from any grid infrastructure. That’s why so many solar power companies consider rural Africa as a fantastic testing ground for their cutting-edge technology while helping people gain access to electricity. Out of the hands of big utilities and governments, companies are giving Africans the ability to generate their own electricity and pay for it through their mobile phones at a low cost. Most companies install rent-to-buy solar systems for homes. After 18 months of small payments, the homeowner has typically paid off the cost of the panels. With sunlight being a widely available resource across most of the continent, generating electricity through these solar power technologies only makes sense.