Solar Panda

Solar Panda is a Canadian company that provides pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) solar home systems to customers in Africa, primarily in Kenya, with expansion plans for other African nations. The company designs, manufactures, and sells these systems, which are aimed at electrifying homes and small businesses in off-grid areas.

The business model is centered around affordability and accessibility. Customers make a small initial deposit to have a solar system installed and then make subsequent payments on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis through mobile money platforms. This PAYGo model allows families to access electricity without a large upfront investment.

The standard solar kit includes lights, mobile charging capabilities, a radio, a lantern, and a torch. Solar Panda also offers upgrades to larger systems that can power appliances like televisions, allowing customers to improve their energy access over time. The company has a network of retail shops in Kenya and is actively expanding its team and operations into new markets like Zambia and Senegal.

Keywords: solar energy, pay-as-you-go, off-grid, Africa, home solar systems, mobile payments, renewable energy, energy access, rural electrification, clean-tech