Agriculture
September 14, 2019
Updated on September 14, 2019
·Created on October 5, 2018
The Lumos Kit is a solar home system with an integrated Pay-As-You-Go functionality.
The Lumos Kit is a solar home system with a Pay-As-You-Go functionality developed and manufactured by Nova Lumos, Ltd. The system includes a solar panel, a battery, LED lamps for lightning, and 8 output ports through which mobile phones can be charged and TV, radios, or other products added.
Distributors / Implementing Organizations
Nova Lumos, Ltd and MTN.
Manufacturing/Building Method
This product is mass produced.
Intellectural Property Type
Trademarked
User Provision Model
Users can obtain the Lumos Kit through MTN, which is Nova Lumo's mobile services partner. Customers can sign an agreement were they enter a 5-year lease with a first pay as a commitment fee. Once this is done in MTN's facilities, customers receive the Lumos Kit by choosing a 3, 7 or 30 days of energy utility service.
Distributions to Date Status
As of 2016, sales up to more than 100,000 units were expected.
Description of power outputs
2 USBs and 6 DC outlets
Description of light points
2 LEDs
Total lighting service (lumen-hours per solar-day)
Unknown
Peak power rating (Wp)
83 Wp
Battery capacity (kWh; mAh)
25,000 mAh
Nominal battery voltage (V)
14.52 V
Battery type
Lithium ion
User replaceable battery (yes/no)
No
Remote system diagnostics (yes/no)
Yes
Payment structure
Pay-as-you-go
Mobile service required (yes/no)
Yes
Design Specifications
Technical Support
MTN mobile services company offers customer support 24/7 through a care line that is free for their subscribers. MTN´s staff has been trained on the Lumos energy kit. In case they can´t help with any specific technical problem, Lumos staff will intervene.
Replacement Components
Only the solar panel and LED lamps can be replaced, the battery is not replaceable.
Lifecycle
Exact lifetime period unknown. However, the manufacturers offer repair services for the solar panel and indoor units during a period of 5 years.
Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters
Manufacturers specify as their solution: all day access to reliable electricity, safe, fumeless and noiseless power, small payments over 5 years, reduced energy bill by up to 1/3 and worry free with 5 years repair service.
Vetted Performance Status
Lightning Global verified the following quality standards categories: truth in advertising, lumen maintenance, battery composition, protection and durability, physical ingress protection, water ingress protection, soldering and electronics workmanship, mechanical durability, minimum warranty terms and performance reporting. GSMA conducted a case study on Lumos PAYGO systems in Nigeria. The company gave a grant to Lumos to trial prepaid utility services that uses airtime credit to test the feasibility of PAYG solar in West African markets with limited mobile money penetration. Through the pilot conducted the following key findings were identified:
Safety
If pressure is applied on the photovoltaic panel by sitting or stepping on it, the device might break and cause bodily injury or electrical shock. Precaution must be taken regarding electrical contacts or wiring, the person handling them must use adequate safety gear. To avoid electrical shock, the photovoltaic panel must be earth grounded. A minor risk of burns exists due to the heating of the photovoltaic panel's surface by the sun.
Complementary Technical Systems
The system can be upgraded by the addition of a television, fan or radio.
Academic Research and References
Compliance with regulations
Complies with IEC 62257-9-5.
Other Information
None.
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