WiSolar

WiSolar (pronounced wee-solar) is a transnational solar electricity company in Africa that was founded in 2016 by Nigerian-born entrepreneur Tonye Irims.[1] The company is headquartered in Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa, with a presence in Nigeria.[2] Its primary mission is to make solar electricity easily accessible and affordable across Africa.[3]

WiSolar
TypePrivately held company
IndustrySolar Energy
Founded2016
HeadquartersBronkhorstspruit, South Africa
Area served
South Africa, Nigeria
Key people
Tonye Irims (Founder & Head of WiSolar), Anteonet van der Walt (Chief of Operations)
ServicesElectricity
Websitewisolar.co

History

WiSolar began its journey in 2016 as an inverter Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) with a proprietary remote shut-off feature and solar installer.[4] In 2019, the company transitioned into a solar electricity provider for residential and commercial customers, catering to variable loads.[5]

Initiatives

Solar Energy Awareness Initiative

In March 2017, WiSolar initiated the "Solar Scholar" campaign to promote awareness of renewable energy in South Africa. The campaign involved visiting educational institutions across the country to educate staff and students on the benefits of clean energy in homes.To further expand this initiative, WiSolar developed an online platform that allowed educational institutions and students to register and submit ideas on solar energy.[6]

Prepaid Solar Electricity Roll-Out

In July 2019, WiSolar proposed to raise $40M in debt and equity to accelerate the roll-out of prepaid solar electricity in South Africa and Nigeria.[7] The company aimed to eliminate environmentally polluting fuel generators, and promote renewable energy in Nigeria with specific focus on areas such as Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers states in Nigeria.[8] In 2022, WiSolar launched a mobile application known as WiGo.[9] This moblie application enables users to independently purchase prepaid solar electricity for their homes.[10]

Upskilling Program and Partnership

In November 2019, WiSolar announced plans to upskill the electrical engineering graduates of its solar academy, enhancing its internal capabilities in solar electricity.[11] Additionally, in March 2020, the company forged a partnership with LG to incorporate high-efficiency black photovoltaic panels, enabling LG to become a provider of solar panels for WiSolar and its customers.[12]

Solar Financing for Mainstream Adoption

As part of its efforts to make solar electricity more mainstream in South Africa, WiSolar established the Gateway Office in Bronkhorstspruit. In June 2020, the company began offering solar financing solutions to facilitate broader adoption of solar energy.[13][14] In 2022, WiSolar commenced the deployment of their prepaid solar electricity to homes in residential estates within South Africa and Nigeria, after a period of delays.[15]

Services

WiSolar offers solar electricity services for both residential and commercial customers, catering to variable loads in South Africa and Nigeria.[16]

References
  1. "Top 10 Fastest Growing Solar Companies in Africa". InkHive.com. 2019-11-12. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  2. Jeremiah, Kingsley (24 May 2023). "Firm plans to power one million houses in Nigeria". The Guardian. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  3. "Firm Plans To Power One Million Houses In Nigeria". The Street Journal. 2023-05-24. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  4. "WiSolar Inverters Offer Power Solutions - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
  5. "Prepaid solar start-up WiSolar gears up for growth". BusinessLIVE. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  6. "WiSolar embarks on solar energy school awareness programme". ITWeb. 2017-03-23. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
  7. Kabura, Stella (31 July 2023). "WiSolar to raise series A $40M to roll-out solar electricity across Africa". Techmoran.
  8. "WiSolar to Launch decentralized Solar Electricity Solution in Africa". Techgist Africa. 2019-07-25. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  9. Modise, Ephraim (2022-08-25). "WiSolar launches "WiGo" hybrid prepaid solar electricity app for Nigeria and South Africa". TechCabal. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
  10. Admin (2022-06-22). "Here's how a new SA app to buy prepaid electricity will work". MTN App of the Year. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  11. "WiSolar to launch the WiSolar Academy in South Africa for electrical engineering students". menafn.com. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  12. "WiSolar Partners with LG Electronics for Solar Panels". Energy Central. 2020-03-10. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  13. Wallace, James (2 September 2020). "Is it possible to live off the state-run power grid in South Africa?". Hobbs Online News. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  14. Mungadze, Samuel (19 June 2020). "WiSolar offers SA homeowners solar power financing". ITWeb.
  15. "WiSolar commences deployment of prepaid solar electricity to homes in South Africa, Nigeria". Vanguard. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  16. "WiSolar unveils power solutions for homes, businesses". Punch. 2018-12-17. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
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