Southern Africa boasts one of the most dynamic energy sectors in the world. It’s a thriving hub of several innovative energy solutions, from traditional power grids and alternative energy generators to renewable solar, wind, and hydropower systems.
This development is a result of the activities of several startup companies that are designing innovative solutions to improve energy production, accessibility, and management in the region.
Here, we’ll examine nine energy solutions startups redefining energy supply and management in Southern Africa.
Wetility
Year Founded: 2019
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Wetility is a revolutionary technology startup redefining renewable energy production and management in Southern Africa. The company develops innovative solutions designed to meet the energy needs of households across the region.
Wetility’s flagship product, the “360 Wetility Experience,” is an all-encompassing digital solar energy management system that enables users to remotely manage power usage. In addition to that, it also provides real-time insights into energy production and consumption patterns.
Through its cutting-edge technology, Wetility ensures that individuals and businesses can seamlessly integrate solar energy into their daily lives. The company’s solutions help users to substantially lower their electricity bills by increasing efficiency and optimizing energy usage. Thereby making renewable energy more affordable for everyone in the long run.
The Sun Exchange
Year Founded: 2015
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
The Sun Exchange is a revolutionary energy-fintech company redefining renewable energy production, distribution, and financing in Southern Africa and globally. The company provides innovative developmental and finance solutions incorporating blockchain technology that promotes the adoption of solar energy products.
The Sun Exchange operates a blockchain-based solar panel micro-leasing marketplace. The platform enables people to purchase solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and lease them to businesses, hospitals, schools, and other organizations and receive lease rental payments in fiat or cryptocurrency,
The Sun Exchange’s solution is built to accelerate the global transition to solar energy. The company’s decentralized solution not only democratizes the solar energy market by making it more affordable for common people and businesses, but it also empowers people to actively contribute to reducing carbon emissions and fostering a greener planet without compromising on their energy needs.
Yellow
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Yellow is a transformative energy solutions startup redefining energy accessibility for households across Malawi and South Africa. The company offers unique services aimed at increasing consumers’ access to renewable and affordable energy solutions.
Yellow distributes pay-as-you-go solar home systems through a network of sales agents to serve rural households. Yellow’s pay-as-you-go model is designed to eliminate the financial barriers that often hinder rural households from adopting solar solutions.
As such, Yellow’s pay-as-you-go model makes solar home systems affordable and accessible to communities that lack access to reliable electricity. Through its innovative business model and commitment to serving rural communities, Yellow is transforming lives and driving positive change in Southern Africa.
Gosolr
Year Founded: 2021
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Gosolr is an innovative renewable energy solution provider redefining accessibility to renewable energy for households in Southern Africa. The company prides itself on providing cost-effective renewable energy solutions to meet household needs in the region.
Gosolr’s core products are its residential solar solutions, tailored to meet the diverse energy needs of households. As a solar-as-a-service provider, Gosolr facilitates the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of solar systems, allowing homeowners to enjoy renewable energy benefits without necessarily owning the power generator.
Gosolr’s unique value is based on its solar-as-a-service model, where households can utilize solar energy without the burden of high upfront costs. This innovative approach eliminates the financial barriers traditionally associated with solar installations and empowers households to make a sustainable choice for their energy needs.
Solarise Africa
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Solarise Africa is a pioneering renewable energy financier promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions in Africa. The startup offers innovative smart financing solutions to propel the continent towards a sustainable energy future.
Solarise Africa’s products revolve around smart financing solutions tailored to the renewable energy sector. Through innovative financial models and strategic partnerships, the company facilitates the funding and deployment of solar energy projects.
Solarise Africa accelerates the development of large-scale renewable energy installations, enabling businesses and communities to transition away from fossil fuels. Moreover, Solarise Africa’s efforts stimulate economic growth by creating job opportunities, fostering innovation, and attracting investments in Africa’s renewable energy sector.
WeStore.Africa
Year Founded: 2022
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
WeStore Africa is an innovative energy solutions company that designs energy solutions and provides avenues for people to make money. The company offers innovative products and services that enable consumers to maximize renewable energy for their power and financial needs.
WeStore Africa’s core offerings are energy storage capacity assets, which it makes available for purchase via its digital platform. Through the platform, investors can buy these assets and lease them to end-users such as residential households, businesses, and organizations seeking reliable energy storage solutions.
WeStore Africa’s solutions not only foster the growth of renewable energy infrastructure but also facilitate the efficient use of clean energy resources. WeStore Africa creates a direct connection between investors and end-users. The company’s operations are revolutionizing the energy storage landscape, making it accessible and profitable for end users and investors.
Meadows Energy
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Meadows Energy is a pioneering renewable energy solutions provider redefining energy access in Southern Africa. The company offers a holistic approach to sustainable living and eco-friendly energy solutions.
Meadows Energy specializes in developing integrated solar power systems designed for residential properties. Essentially, the company’s solutions enable homeowners to harness renewable energy for their power needs. These solutions incorporate cutting-edge technology, including high-efficiency solar panels, advanced inverters, and energy storage options.
By empowering homeowners with clean and renewable energy, Meadows Energy not only reduces their electricity bills but also fosters environmental responsibility. Additionally, by promoting energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Meadows Energy plays a vital role in building a sustainable energy industry.
Impower
Year Founded: 2014
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Impower is a leading energy solutions provider, revolutionizing how communities access and use energy resources in Southern Africa. It employs an innovative energy distribution and management model, empowering urban and rural areas with affordable electricity solutions.
Impower deploys microgrid solar energy systems. These microgrid systems provide localized, sustainable power generation tailored to the specific needs of communities. In addition, the company’s smart grid technology enables efficient energy distribution, real-time monitoring, and demand management for service providers.
By combining renewable energy sources with cutting-edge grid solutions, Impower ensures an uninterrupted power supply, promotes environmental conservation, and fosters energy resilience in regions that need it the most.
Sinani Energy
Year Founded: 2015
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Sinani Energy is an innovative renewable energy company developing innovative solutions to address energy challenges across Southern Africa. The company provides sustainable and affordable energy access to consumers, primarily in remote areas.
Sinani Energies’ primary solutions include off-grid solar power systems tailored to the specific needs of communities and homes lacking reliable electricity. Their primary products include solar home systems, mini-grids, and smart metering systems. Sinani Energy’s approach goes beyond just providing energy; they also provide energy consultation and advisory services in addition to ongoing support for their clients.
Sinani Energies’ Solutions are not only eco-friendly but also economically viable, enabling households and communities to optimize their energy expenditure. Also, by providing reliable and eco-friendly energy alternatives, the company contributes to reducing the carbon footprint and paving the way for a greener future.
