Lumos the pay as you go solar business in Nigeria

Hundreds of millions of people live without access to the grid in Africa. Too expensive to put up, the grid might most likely never reach them. An alternative to is, is what we call off-grid.

Lumos Global is an off-grid solar provider operating in Nigeria. The company offers Pay-as-you-go off-grid solar energy solutions which are on the rise in Africa. They are estimated to grow by more than 70% a year, reaching over eight million households by 2020. Around 550,000 households in sub-Saharan Africa used off-grid solar solutions in 2015, rising to nearly one million by end of 2017.

Lumos, which recently partnered with telecommunication operator MTN, is Nigeria’s biggest pay-as-you-go solar player, having installed close to 40,000 systems. Last year it attracted a US$90m investment from The Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund, which it plans to use to grow its service in Nigeria and expand to other African nations.

How pay-as-you-go solar works for Lumos Global ?

Customers buy a ‘solar kit’ from a local mobile operator store for a one-time commitment fee, and then pay small instalments, with their mobile airtime credit, to be able to use the system and power their home. The solar kit usually comprises a solar panel, a battery, a phone charger and LED lights.

Who are Lumos’ main customers  ?

Lumos sells in all areas of Nigeria. Their rural customers are replacing kerosene and flashlights with Lumos’ system, whole urban customers are replacing generators because they are way more cheaper. In addition there are residential customers complementing their grid access with  Lumos’ systems. Small businesses and community organisations, like churches, mosques, hospitals and schools are also using Lumo’s technology.

To have the full story, please visit: Howemadeitinafrica

Here is a short video introducing Lumos

Source: Howemadeitinafrica