At the 2024 Solar & Storage Conference, Ener-G-Africa unveiled innovative solar panels targeting niche markets in Africa. These panels are designed specifically to meet the continent’s growing demand for small-scale solar power.
Targeting Niche Markets with the 275 W Solar Panel
Ener-G-Africa presented its latest solar products at the 2024 Solar & Storage Conference and Exhibition in Cape Town, South Africa. Alongside a 550 W solar panel that meets industry standards, the company launched a 275 W model designed for specific niche markets across the continent.
Ener-G-Africa launched its 550 W and 275 W solar panels at the 2024 Solar & Storage Conference to help address Africa’s energy needs. (Image: collected)
The 275 W solar panel stands out for its unique design and targeted applications. In an exclusive interview, Dave Lello, Ener-G-Africa’s Business Development Director, explained its purpose. “With the 275 W panel, we are targeting applications that are niche but numerous across African solar energy markets,” he said. This model was developed to address the growing need for small-scale solar power in Africa. While many early installations on the continent were pico-solar systems for basic lighting, the population’s evolving energy needs now demand more powerful solutions.
Versatility in Applications
Ener-G-Africa’s 275 W solar panel is designed to meet these evolving demands, providing enough power for lighting and household appliances like a TV and a small fridge. The panel can also support small-scale agricultural and commercial enterprises by powering equipment such as water pumps or refrigerators.
In urban environments, potential applications include powering apartment buildings or security systems like CCTV camera arrays. Lello mentioned that the company is already negotiating a contract to use the panels for a community CCTV project. Its light yet strong, square design makes it easier to handle and less vulnerable to wind damage—a key advantage for installations on poles or pylons, which are common for CCTV systems.
Assembly and Future Plans
Ener-G-Africa assembles both the 275 W and 550 W solar panels at its facility in Paarl, near Cape Town. While key components like solar PV modules, glass, and frames are currently imported, the company plans to source glass and frames locally in the future.
The assembly process involves lamination to integrate the electrical system, ensuring the panels are both durable and efficient. Although the standard 550 W panel remains a crucial part of the company’s offerings, the 275 W model has generated significant interest due to its adaptability and diverse applications.
Addressing Energy Needs in Africa
Lello explained the company’s strategy: “We see ourselves as a vertically integrated company, manufacturing and selling our own products in Africa.” This approach allows Ener-G-Africa to control product quality and distribution, ensuring its solutions meet the specific needs of African consumers.
The 2024 Solar & Storage Conference and Exhibition provided a key platform for the company to showcase its innovative panels and reinforce its commitment to the continent. The launch of the 275 W panel, in particular, highlights a focus on creating products tailored to the unique challenges of the African solar market. By addressing the growing demand for small-scale solar, this versatile energy panel offers a reliable energy source for households, businesses, and communities across Africa.
GOOD AND RELIABLE