Redavia

Redavia GmbH provides modular solar energy solutions to businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on West and East Africa. The company was founded in 2010 by CEO Erwin Spolders, who envisioned a way to lower costs and offer a flexible, risk-mitigated solar solution for businesses. With a professional background that includes over 12 years in solar farm construction, Spolders identified an economic opportunity in supplying power to remote, fuel-inefficient sites like mines that relied on diesel generators.

The company's business model centers on a flexible pay-as-you-go rental (lease) agreement, minimizing the need for large upfront investments from customers. This model is designed to provide operational adaptability to market changes and is a key differentiator from traditional independent power producers that often require fixed, long-term power purchase agreements of around 20 years. Redavia generates revenue by leasing its solar farms to clients, allowing them to reduce energy costs and increase operational flexibility. To support its growth, Redavia has secured financing from various partners, including a $4 million debt facility from a responsAbility-managed climate fund in 2018 and a $2 million agreement with ElectriFI in 2019 to expand its operations in Ghana.

Redavia's core product is a pre-configured, containerized solar farm system. These modular units, branded as the 'Fast Track' series, consist of high-performance solar modules and quality electrical components that are easy to ship, install, scale, and redeploy. The product line includes the Fast Track Solar Ground Mount, Solar Carport, Solar Roof Mount, and the Fast Track Energy Storage module. These systems are designed to seamlessly integrate with a business's existing power infrastructure, whether it's connected to the national grid or reliant on diesel generators. This approach provides a faster alternative to conventional energy projects, increasing generation capacity within months rather than years.

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Redavia has established a strong local presence with subsidiaries in Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. The company serves a diverse client base across sectors such as agro-foods processing, manufacturing, mining and minerals, hospitality, and public infrastructure. Notable milestones include celebrating 10 years of operation in 2020, by which time it had deployed 65 units totaling 5.46 megawatts-peak (MWp) and cut 3,175 tonnes of carbon emissions. The company has also received recognition for its work, including a Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Award for Technology Innovation Leadership in 2014.

Keywords: solar energy, commercial solar, pay-as-you-go, sub-Saharan Africa, modular solar, clean energy, energy leasing, renewable energy, energy solutions, sustainable development