Revolutionising Energy Access: Bridging the Gap Between SHS and AC Minigrids -- Merging the Best of Both Worlds
The MESH grid is a DC decentralized microgrid. It is an approach designed to address the limitations of both solar home systems and AC mini grids.
Solar home systems are affordable but offer limited electrification and cannot support productive use of power. AC mini grids provide more capacity but come with high capital and operational costs due to complex distribution infrastructure. In contrast, MESH grids aim to bridge this gap, offering lower connection costs, scalability, and the ability to incorporate existing solar systems.
From their pilot sites in Cameroon and Zambia, Solarworx has demonstrated the viability of the MESH grid business model, aiming to reduce grant dependency in the minigrid industry and make clean energy more accessible to communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company has demonstrated that MESH grids are cost-effective, safe, and can be easily extended as communities grow. They also empower local communities to participate in installation and maintenance, fostering a sense of ownership.
Solarworx plans to expand their MESH grid deployments to create a more significant impact in the region's underserved areas.
Speaker:
Alicia Qin
Business Development Manager
SolarWorX GmbH
Alicia Qin is the Business Development Manager at Solarworx, a German company specialising in the development and manufacturing of Solar Home Systems (SHS) and innovative DC Microgrids known as "MESH grids." Alicia is dedicated to extending Solarworx's impact by bringing clean and affordable energy solutions to both residential and commercial users across Sub-Saharan Africa.