Eight19 completes successful trials of portable solar power system

Phil Curry - 22 Nov 2011

Cambridge-based Eight19 is ready to begin full production of its portable energy harvesting system, following successful trials in Africa.

Announced in September 2011, the IndiGo system comprises a low-cost solar panel, a mobile phone charging unit and an LED lamp. Users buy credit for the system on scratch cards to top up the 2.5W solar charger. It is designed for use in countries where many live off-grid.

Positive feedback

Simon Bransfield-Garth, CEO of Eight19, comments: The results of the trials were very positive, and feedback suggested it was easy to use, and well liked. The only changes we've had to make are for local variations, such as including longer cables for higher ceilings.'

Having successfully completed the trial phase for the product, the company is now preparing to distribute devices on a commercial scale. Deployment has already begun in Kenya, Zambia and Malawi, but full-scale production and roll out is scheduled to start in early 2012.

Eight19 has partnered with Solar Aid to help with the distribution of IndiGo.

Bransfield-Garth explains: 'Working with partners provides an infrastructure for us. They already distribute solar lighting to people; however, not many could afford it. Now they can.'

Eight19 provides the IndiGo at a subsidised initial cost and uses the established distribution channels for scratch cards to grant users long-term access to the device's power.

Appeal

Bransfield-Garth notes: 'We've found that the system cuts the amount spent on energy by half, initially people were paying $10 [€7.40] a month to light their homes and charge a mobile phone, while the IndiGo costs around $1 a week. In addition, those who use them are already used to topping up a mobile phone, so the system of scratch cards is known and liked.'

Based on feedback from the IndiGo trial, Eight19 could follow up with systems to charge other devices too, Bransfield-Garth suggests

He adds: 'One bit of feedback we received was that people would like a system that can power more [devices], for example four lights and a TV or radio. With countries where off-grid living is high, many appliances are built for low power consumption, so this is possible. We will also look at rolling the system out to other countries; however, we would conduct further trials before doing so.'

Enjoyed reading this article? For even more high-value content on the plastic electronics industry, subscribe to +Plastic Electronics magazine.