Lumos Kit

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Nova Lumos, Ltd and MTN.

Manufacturing/Building Method

This product is mass produced.

Intellectural Property Type

Trademarked

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the Lumos Kit through MTN, which is Nova Lumo's mobile services partner. Customers can sign an agreement were they enter a 5-year lease with a first pay as a commitment fee. Once this is done in MTN's facilities, customers receive the Lumos Kit by choosing a 3, 7 or 30 days of energy utility service.  

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2016, sales up to more than 100,000 units were expected.

Design Specifications

Specifications:

• 1 - 83 W Polycrystalline solar panel
• 1 - 25 Ah Lithium ion battery
• 2 - LED lamps light points
• 2 - USB ports
• 6 - 12 V ports

Technical Support

MTN mobile services company offers customer support 24/7 through a care line that is free for their subscribers. MTN´s staff has been trained on the Lumos energy kit. In case they can´t help with any specific technical problem, Lumos staff will intervene.  

Replacement Components

Only the solar panel and LED lamps can be replaced, the battery is not replaceable.

Lifecycle

Exact lifetime period unknown. However, the manufacturers offer repair services for the solar panel and indoor units during a period of 5 years.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Manufacturers specify as their solution: all day access to reliable electricity, safe, fumeless and noiseless power, small payments over 5 years, reduced energy bill by up to 1/3 and worry free with 5 years repair service.

Vetted Performance Status

Lightning Global verified the following quality standards categories: truth in advertising, lumen maintenance, battery composition, protection and durability, physical ingress protection, water ingress protection, soldering and electronics workmanship, mechanical durability, minimum warranty terms and performance reporting. GSMA conducted a case study on Lumos PAYGO systems in Nigeria. The company gave a grant to Lumos to trial prepaid utility services that uses airtime credit to test the feasibility of PAYG solar in West African markets with limited mobile money penetration. Through the pilot conducted the following key findings were identified:

• Airtime is a viable payment mechanism for PAYG in markets with limited mobile money penetration.
• PAYG energy can generate as much gross revenue as voice and SMS while reducing churn for mobile operators in large off-grid markets.
• Mobile operators can provide a path to scale for sales and distribution.
• The Lumos system is a viable alternative to household petrol generators.

Safety

If pressure is applied on the photovoltaic panel by sitting or stepping on it, the device might break and cause bodily injury or electrical shock. Precaution must be taken regarding electrical contacts or wiring, the person handling them must use adequate safety gear. To avoid electrical shock, the photovoltaic panel must be earth grounded. A minor risk of burns exists due to the heating of the photovoltaic panel's surface by the sun.

Complementary Technical Systems

The system can be upgraded by the addition of a television, fan or radio.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Complies with IEC 62257-9-5.

Other Information

None.