Simpa Networks is an Indian company based out of Bangalore that offers prepaid solar electricity in a pay-as-you-go model.
How does it work?
In this model, for a small fee, the company provides a solar home system (solar panel, battery, control circuit, LED lamps, charging points, etc.). After the initial payment, consumers can use their mobile phone to top up their solar home system and pay an amount to unlock/access only the amount of electricity required by them.
This amount, the company claims, contributes towards the ownership of the provided solar system. When the cost of the solar system is paid in full after multiple installments, consumers own the system and they no longer have to pay to access electricity.
This is an interesting model for three reasons:
- The consumer need not pay the entire cost for the solar home system upfront, and pays only a small portion of it (not sure how much that small portion is, will try to update if I get the info).
- Consumers need not pay regularly (weekly or monthly), which they may not be able to. Instead, they pay when they have money and when they want electricity.
- Each payment also includes a small amount towards the ownership of the device, and consumers can own the device after a few months/years depending on their usage.
Plus:
The company has integrated the solar home system and mobile payment technology into a single solution, and has introduced the progressive payment system where customer pays when he wants to access electricity, much like a prepaid mobile, which are all excellent.
Minus:
However, if the consumer does not pay for a long time, the generated electricity (beyond what can be stored in the battery) becomes a waste. Also, the battery needs to be changed after its lifetime (which is generally limited), and it's not clear who bears this cost or if that can be done and how much replacement batteries will cost.
You can get more details about their system from Simpa Networks website and the contact details of the company is here.
