Agriculture
January 12, 2024
M-KOPA IV Solar Home System
Read SolutionImplemented by
M-KOPA
Updated on January 12, 2024
·Created on August 27, 2015
A solar home system with integrated pay-as-you-go functionality.
M-KOPA Solar provides a technology platform that combines embedded GSM + mobile payments to enable solar home system financing. The M-KOPA III is a combined solar home system with PAYG functionality and end-use appliances. Appliances include lights, a torch, radio, and USB ports for device use.
M-KOPA is located in Nairobi, Kenya with additional operations in Uganda and Tanzania.
By 2020, the product is discontinued. The M-KOPA III has been replaced by the M-KOPA IV.
Target SDGs
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Market Suggested Retail Price
$218.00
Target Users (Target Impact Group)
Household, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Distributors / Implementing Organizations
M-KOPA Solar distributes and implements the systems in a partnership with Safaricom.
Competitive Landscape
Direct competitors include Azuri 10W Quad Solar Home System, Simpa Solar Home System, and ZOLA FLEX.
Manufacturing/Building Method
Mass-produced
Intellectural Property Type
Patent
User Provision Model
Users obtained the product from M-KOPA retail locations. M-KOPA relies on direct sales representatives, or agents of each retail location to manage sales. There are over 100 retail locations across the three M-KOPA target markets (Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania).
Distributions to Date Status
By 2019, more than 750,000 off-grid solar systems had been sold, benefiting 3 million people.
Description of power outputs
5 USBs and 1 torch
Description of light points
3 LEDs
Total lighting service (lumen-hours per solar-day)
120 – 1200
Peak power rating (Wp)
8 Wp
Battery capacity (kWh; mAh)
3,200 mAh
Nominal battery voltage (V)
6.4 V
Battery type
Lithium iron phosphate
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
Design: 2 LED lights with multiple brightness settings. 1 LED portable solar torch light. 5 standard USB ports. Portable solar radio. 8 W solar panel.
Technical Support
None available, this product is discontinued.
Replacement Components
Customers can purchase system components individually to replace parts of their original system or to upgrade their system.
Lifecycle
5 years with a 24 month warranty on the solar panel, control unit and light points and 12 month for torch, radio and charging cables interview with representative.
Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters
Payback rate of 95% interview with representative.
Vetted Performance Status
Lighting Global vetted the following parameters: - Full battery run time and run time per day. - Total light output. - Lamp type. - Special features (mobile charging, radio, and pay as you go). - Overall durability and quality standards tests (drop, soldering and electronics workmanship, mechanical, minimum warranty, performance reporting).
Safety
Be sure to follow proper electrical installation and control guidelines.
Complementary Technical Systems
M-KOPA 400, M-KOPA + TV. M-KOPA also offers cookstoves, mobile phones and water tanks from third party manufacturers.
Academic Research and References
Ballesteros, A., et al., 2013, Implementation strategies for renewable energy services in low-income rural areas, Washington D.C., World Resources Institute.
Alstone, P., Gershenson, D., Kammen, D.M., 2015, Decentralized energy systems for clean electricity access, Nature Climate Change, 5, 305-314.
Nique, M., Smertnik, H., 2015, The synergies between mobile phone access and off grid energy solutions. Springer Proceedings in Energy, 185-193.
Hirmer, S., Cruickshank, H., 2014, The user-value of rural electrification: an analysis and adoption of existing models and theories. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 24, 145-154.
Harper, M., 2013, Review of strategies and technologies for demand-side management on isolated mini-grids, Arcata (CA): Humboldt State University.
Rever, W.B., Mints, P.J., 2014, Remote markets 2.0: the next wave of PV expansion, PVSC, 40, 2556-3561.
Volk, Andy. 2013. Review: M-KOPA Solar Home System. Wired, October 15, 2013.
Moore, Jesse Keith Barton, and Nicholas Hughes. 2013. Transaction Processing and Remote Activation, issued July 16, 2013.
M-KOPA. n.d. Contact Us. M-KOPA.
M-KOPA. n.d. Products. M-KOPA.
M-KOPA. n.d. Press. M-KOPA.
Previously Certified Products. n.d. VeraSol.
Lighting Global. 2018. Solar Home System Kit Quality Standards, Version 2.5. Lighting Global.
Compliance with regulations
Lighting Global QA
Evaluation methods
Payback Rate and use patterns beyond the 1 year repayment period.
Other Information
Video showcasing of M-Kopa distribution system and customer support.
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