Development of robust, ultra-lightweight portable solar energy system - providing scalable, renewable power (50w-1.5kw) to off grid communities in Zimbabwe and SSA

The project brings an exciting, innovative consortium of global tech leaders and on-the-ground delivery partners to deliver life changing energy provision at an affordable cost via the development of our ultra-lightweight (≪4kg), portable (can be carried), scalable solar energy system (power range of 50wp -- 1.5kwp). The solution is comprised of robust, efficient, inter-lockable, folding PV panels and patented next-generation gel technology battery system at a market disrupting price point ~£150\.

We are explicitly targeting personal and small-scale commercial applications in off-grid communities that have been left behind mini-grid rollout and grid connection. Replacing the common use of diesel-powered generators, which are not only environmentally unsustainable but are now becoming unaffordable to run due to the scarcity of fuel in Zimbabwe.

Personal solar market is still in it's infancy in Zimbabe and wider SSA and due to the innovative nature of Verditek's next generation solar (TRL9) we are able to disrupt the market and accelerate it from its relatively nascent state to become the primary energy solution for off grid communities. Offering a solution that sits between the pico (small solar power photovoltaic module ranging from 1-50 watts) and plug-and-play Solar Home Solutions (SHS) product segment, providing the flexibility of pico systems whilst capable of providing power above and beyond the 200 Wp power of fixed SHS system.

**PROJECT SCOPE**

Addressing the energy trilemma, the 24-month mid-stage, industrial-research project focuses on delivering the following;

* TRL6 prototypes of manually portable solar solutions, providing clean electricity for households, schools, healthcare clinics and agro-businesses:

1. Residential, personal solution(240-Wp/≪7kg)

2. Commercial/Agricultural solution(1.5-Kwp/~40kg)

3. School/Healthcare Clinic package solution (via Verditek's next generation solar panels)

* 9-month trial (subject to grant-funding, could start from 1st-April-2021) of the technology, assessing technical and commercial feasibility, in rural locations: Chivi (suffering from extreme drought, where girls frequently have to travel 10/15km on foot to gather water or attend school) and Marondera (considered to be Zimbabwe's agricultural hub due to its heavy rainfall&humidity).

**PROJECT OUTPUTS**

* **Improved access to education, with focus on gender inequality:** **solution to** power home study for selected schoolgirls throughout the evening/night

* **Improved agricultural value addition:**?Agriculture is a woman dominated industry in Zimbabwe (70% women).

* **Evaluation of commercial viability:** validation of, target price point, supply chains and of proposed business model

* **Prevention of deforestation & reduction in polluting fuels**

* **Improved access to clean water:** **electrification of water borehole pumps**

* **Showcase of patented, award-winning, next generation eco-friendly battery technology**