Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

Pay-as-you go PV picks up award

Off-grid photovoltaic system provider, Eight19 has picked up an award, as Climate Week kicked off across the U.K. yesterday. The company, which has pioneered a pay-as-you go solar system in Africa, was named Best Initiative for Small or Medium-Sized Business.

While picking up an award, Eight19 CEO indicated that expansion into other parts of Africa is on the cards.

Eight19

Over recent months, Eight19 has been rolling out its Indigo pay-as-you-go photovoltaic system to four African countries. Last month Eight19 expanded its program into its – and also the world’s – newest country, South Sudan. The first three countries Eight19 were active in was Kenya, Malawi and Zambia.

Eight19’s Indigo kits come in various capacities, and consist of an organic, printed photovoltaic module, a battery for storage, energy-efficient lighting and mobile-phone charging stations. The system also relies of mobile phone infrastructure and systems to allow users to pay for their solar power.

Another facet of the Eight19 system of note, is that while households will feel that they are paying for their power as they go, they are in fact paying for whole photovoltaic system itself. The user can then use the photovoltaic kit for "free", or upgrade it to a bigger, more powerful model.

When accepting the Climate Week award, Eight19 CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth said that the Indigo could provide light and reduce kerosene emissions throughout Africa. "We have already received enquiries for installations from around the world and hope that this prestigious award will help us to provide clean and safe energy to many more people currently living off grid."

2012 sees the second Climate Week Awards and 3,000 events will be held during the week to raise money for and awareness about sustainable initiatives.