Mini-grids & Off-grid Solar Projects
Reliable power where the grid doesn't reach — or can't be relied on.
Across much of East Africa, the main grid is far away, unreliable or expensive to extend. Off-grid solar systems and mini-grids generate, store and distribute power locally, so homes, farms, lodges, schools, clinics and businesses can run without depending on a grid connection.
An off-grid system powers a single site. A mini-grid goes further: a central solar plant with battery storage supplies many users over a local distribution network. We design both around the demand they have to serve — today, and as it grows.
Ideal for
- Rural and remote communities
- Farms, ranches and agribusinesses
- Lodges, camps and tourism facilities
- Schools, clinics and institutions off the grid
What's included
- Demand assessment: Who will use power, for what, at what times — and how that's likely to grow.
- Generation & storage design: Solar arrays and battery banks sized for your location, including less sunny days.
- Distribution network: For mini-grids, the local network that connects each home or business to the plant.
- Metering options: Prepaid or smart metering for mini-grids, so each connection pays for what it uses.
- Backup integration: A generator can be integrated as backup for extended periods of low sunshine.
- Installation & training: We install the system and can train local operators to run it day to day.
How it works
- Assessment: Site visit and demand study with the people the system will serve.
- Design & proposal: Generation, storage and distribution design with costs.
- Installation: Plant, batteries and network installed and connected.
- Commissioning: Testing and switch-on, with operator training.
- Operation & maintenance: Ongoing support to keep the system reliable.
Benefits
- Energy independence: Power that doesn't depend on a distant or unreliable grid.
- Lower running costs than diesel: Sunlight is free; solar with storage avoids much of the fuel and transport cost of running generators full time.
- Scalable: Add panels, batteries and connections as demand grows.
- Supports local growth: Reliable power for businesses, water pumping, cold storage and services.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between off-grid solar and a mini-grid?
An off-grid system powers one site — a home, farm or lodge. A mini-grid is a central solar plant with batteries that supplies many users through its own local distribution network, much like a small utility.
What happens when it's cloudy for several days?
We size the battery storage for your location and needs, and can add a backup generator for extended periods of low sunshine.
Can the system grow as demand grows?
Yes. We design with room to add panels, batteries and new connections over time.
Who looks after the system once it's running?
We can train local operators and provide ongoing operation and maintenance.
Other services
- Residential Solar Solutions — Solar power for your home, designed around how your household actually uses energy.
- Commercial & Industrial Solar Solutions — Cut operating costs with solar plants engineered around your facility's demand.
- Mini-grids & Off-grid Solar Projects — Reliable power where the grid doesn't reach — or can't be relied on.
- Electric Mobility — Charging infrastructure for homes, workplaces and fleets making the switch to electric.
- Solar Water Heating Systems — Hot water from the sun, not from your electricity bill.
- Solar Water Pumping Systems — Water for farms, homes and communities, pumped by the sun.
- Operation and Maintenance — Keep your solar system producing what it should, year after year.
- Power Plant Testing and Commissioning — Independent verification that your plant is built right and performing as promised.
- Surveillance Installation — Security systems that keep recording — even when the power goes out.