This project will develop new upgradeable solar home system (SHS) for rural electrification. With the key objectives of designing and developing an affordable, upgradeable pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar home system (SHS) product line for off-grid households in Africa. Some of the design characteristics would allow households to add more appliances over-time on a constant $2/week (approx.) rent-2-buy payment; have a 30% reduction in manufacturing costs over costs of incumbent systems allowing poor households to afford full electrification overtime and on an affordable plan. There is a set plan to conduct alpha and beta field tests on at least 400 units spanning three tiers of SHS’s (10W; 30W and 50W) in Africa and commence accelerated life tests. The project will undertake a feasibility study into the productive use of power and end-use combinations for 3-5 different business applications of power encompassing:
- Analysis of potential businesses needs and ability to pay.
- Creation of a business plan for the end users.
- Optimised specification of the power systems and end-use equipment.
- Develop new applications for follow on funding to support the identified outcome of the proposed design.
Testing Pico PV systems in the SERG lab
Performance testing of a DC freeze/freezer (prototype) in the SERG lab
Testing PV (Pico) panels in the SERG Lab