The 1kWp Pack

Product Description

Distributed by the Uganda-based company SolarNow, the 1 kWp Pack provides home lightning through an energy system composed of 4 solar panels (250 Wp/each), 4 batteries (200 Ah/each), a controller (50 A PWM, 24 V) and an inverter (1,6 kW, 24 V). The system can be upgraded depending on the users need by adding a solar panel, a battery and other solar products (radio torch, lightpack, TV, and more) and comes with a 5-years free service from the day of purchase.

SolarNow operation center is based in Kampala, Uganda, however, the 1kWp Pack along with SolarNow products can be purchased in Uganda and Kenya. This video illustrates the SolarNow mission in Uganda.

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

SolarNow.

Manufacturing/Building Method

SolarNow's products are designed in Holland and developed and manufactured in China so as to have an affordable product without compromising on quality.

Intellectural Property Type

Trademarked

User Provision Model

Users can obtain it directly from the manufacturer by requesting the product, both in Uganda and Kenya.

Distributions to Date Status

There is no information about this specific product, however, according to SolarNow, they have over 25,000 clients in Uganda and Kenya with 1,500,000 Wp installed.

Design Specifications

Design specifications include the polycrystalline silicon solar panel with 250 Wp/each (1 kWp in total), 4 batteries of 200 Ah each, a 50 A PWM 24V Controller and a 1.6 kW and 24 V inverter.

Technical Support

Technical support is provided by the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

Unknown.

Lifecycle

All SolarNow's products have 5-years warranty, including the power station, the wiring, switches, charge controller and all installation materials, and except of electrical appliances (e.g inverter, radio, USB hub, lights, TV, etc.) that have a 1-year warranty. Solar panels have a 20-year lifecycle.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

SolarNow works for promoting solar energy solutions in East Africa, mainly in Ugandan and Kenyan regions lacking electricity. The organization aims to reach this market through flexible credit options. Further details about SolarNow mission are described here.

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown.

Safety

Electrical installation and control guidelines provided by SolarNow must be followed to avoid electrical shocks.

Complementary Technical Systems

SolarNow provides a wide variety of solar solutions specifically for households, small business, farming and corporate solutions that can be upgraded to meet the energy needs in any case.

Academic Research and References

There is no academic research on this specific product, however, Chaurey, A. and Kandapal, T.C. give a review on solar home systems for rural electrification:

Chaurey, A., Kandapal, T.C., A techno-economic comparison of rural electrification based on solar home systems and PV microgrids. Energy Policy. Volume 38, Issue 6, Pages 3118-3129. June 2010.

Compliance with regulations

All SolarNow products meet international quality standards.

Other Information

All news about NowSolar on key advances and milestones can be seen here.