How does the SolarKiosk unit work?
Who are you targeting with this idea?
?Our primary target are people in so-called ?off-grid areas?, that is, people who do not have access to the electricity grid. Globally, that represents 16% of the world?s population. We want to enable people who have a drive for entrepreneurship and the desire the help their communities evolve by providing them with the means to help mitigate one of the biggest obstacles to many communities, which is lack of electricity. Ironically, the vast majority of those people live in areas where there is abundant sunshine throughout the year.
Additionally, in off-grid communities, 40% of daily income is spent on energy supplied by dirty, dangerous, and unsustainable fuels such as kerosene and firewood for example. We want to reduce their dependence on such fuels used for daily tasks and provide them with an alternative that is sustainable, safer, and over time much more affordable.?
Sending out kiosks equipped with solar panels is an interesting initiative. How did you come about this design?
?The initial idea belongs to one of our CEOs, Mr. Andreas Spiess. He was able to realize it with the help from our partners at Graft Architects, who designed the structure of the unit and are now partners of the company as well.? (More info in the TEDx video below, red)
Please explain the venture Solarkiosk Solutions?
?Solarkiosk Solutions is our subsidiary in Ethiopia as our head office is in Germany. They take care of the project management of our pilot project in Ethiopia and are responsible for seeking out and maintaining our connections with our local partners and operators.?
What business model have you adopted?
?The basic idea is that we as a company enter into a long-term business relationship with the local managers of the kiosks ? the operators. We want to enable them to run a successful business based on energy in areas where previously there was neither much business nor energy. We believe that this long-term relationship will allow us to bring solar energy into areas where previous efforts to do so were not always successful, because we not only bring the solar products and other hardware, but we can provide support and training as well.?
What team do you have working on Solarkiosk and what qualifies them to do the work they are doing?
?Our teams in Berlin and Addis Abeba comprise of highly qualified people, from the business side to manufacturing, with years of experience doing business in Africa, and most importantly, with the drive and positive energy we need in order to keep moving ahead with the project. Our people are our biggest asset.?
How will solarkiosks fit into the African setting?
?The Solarkiosk was created precisely with the African setting in mind from the very beginning. From the modular, transportable design all the way to the battery, we aimed to create a product that can handle a variety of challenges in order to be successful in Africa. Reactions so far have been very positive and enthusiastic!?
What road have you mapped out for Solarkiosk and how does VC4Africa fit into the picture?
?We are currently exploring the potential for entering other African markets. We find VC4Africa very important as it can provide us with a reliable network of experienced people who are just as passionate about the ideas and goals of projects like ours in Africa as we are.?
FInd more information about Solar Kiosk on their VC4Africa venture page.
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Source: http://vc4africa.biz/blog/2012/08/30/solarkiosk-an-autonomous-business-unit-for-off-grid-areas/
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