GE and Renewvia installing new off-grid systems in Africa
The two companies have installed systems in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo to provide a cheap, secure energy supply. BloombergNEF has predicted the market for off-grid solar will grow considerably as it can meet the needs for universal energy supply at a cost competitive price.
Cryptocurrency to accelerate solar minigrid rollout in Africa
South Africa-based Sun Exchange and U.S. minigrid developer, Powerhive have come together to step up minigrid deployment in rural Kenya by leveraging the crypto economy. The partnership is expected to catalyze up to $23 million of capital and fund around 150 new projects in the country’s power hungry areas.
Off-grid solar boosts income by 50% of household GDP in Africa – study
Gogla has released a report showing the positive economic effects of deploying small-scale pay-as-you-go solar systems in off-grid regions. More than half of the survey’srespondents reported having increased economic activity, with many of those starting new businesses or significantly increasing their household income.
Ecoligo crowdinvestment campaign for flower farm PV system in Kenya launched
Ecoligo has launched another financing round for the installation of a rooftop solar PV system at a flower farm in Kenya. The system is set to reduce the farm’s grid electricity demand by 50%, and lower its OPEX.
Suntech to supply 304 MW of modules to Voltalia
The news comes after Suntech recently announced a separate 116 MW module supply deal, with both orders related to Egypt’s mega Benban complex
Voltalia bags PPA for 50 MW in Kenya
A PV power plant will be located in Kopere, western Kenya, and will deliver electricity to local power provider KPLC
BBOXX raises €1 million for off-grid solar through crowdfunding
U.K.-based off-grid developer, BBOXX and online renewable energy investment platform, Trine have raised €1 million from crowdfunded investments in less than one month. The financing will be disbursed at the beginning of April, to enable BBOXX to scale up its operations in Kenya.
Kenyatta University of Nairobi unveils “Centre of Excellence” with PV focus
Kenyatta University of Nairobi, has launched a Sh59 million (US$571,700) “Centre of Excellence” focused on the generation of solar energy in Kenya.
M-KOPA to invest $20 million in powering remote areas of Uganda and Kenya
160,000 units have been sold to date by the company, which includes 90,000 Solar TVs. 62.5 million hours per month of kerosene-free lighting will be provided, which estimates calculate will save over 600,000 tones of CO2 over a period of four years.
Kenya wants more solar
The Kenyan energy regulator has commissioned a study to assess the current status and potential of the country’s solar sector.
