Smart solar & energy storage system for off-grid households in rural Africa

Smart solar & energy storage system for off-grid households in rural Africa

Sections : EL, GM, Energy, MT, IC

Place : Arusha, Tanzania

Duration : 4-6 months

Hosting structure :

HiLyte – http://hilyte-power.com/

In emerging countries, more than a billion people do not have access to clean electricity and clean cooking system. To address this challenge, hiLyte, a Swiss & Tanzanian start-up develops and commercialize affordable energy system targeting off-grid areas in rural Africa. hiLyte is already developing & commercializing small-scale, smart power system, charged with solar energy in kiosks that are powerful enough to charge phones and to provide light for a family. The renting business model in place in Tanzania, enables people to live on a daily basis depending on their earnings and as the product belongs to the company, the end of life can be taken with care.

hiLyte system enables the rent or leasing of a solar + storage system at an affordable price, allowing the poorest people to have clean and affordable energy. Beside having system that are recharged in hiLyte solar kiosk and rent daily, we are also planning to extend the possibilities for households to have a full PV+battery storage system that individuals could keep at home and become fully independent energy wise. A payment & activation system allowing them to pay back the system month after month (PAYGo) would guaranty both affordability for users and sustainable business model for hiLyte.

Project description :

• Develop, realize and test electronic circuits targeting our energy applications
• Embedded programming (Arduino and/or Android)
• Photovoltaic systems analysis and improvement
• Battery cell/pack integration and testing
• Mechanical design and 3D Printing

Required skills :

• Student in electronics, microengineering, computer science, mechanics, etc.
• Interested in energy systems, batteries and product development
• Highly motivated, independent and proactive

Accommodation : Yes

Meals: No

Contact :  contact@hiylte-power.com; David Lambelet (CTO – Switzerland) : david.lambelet@hilyte-power.com; Briac Barthes (CEO – Tanzania) : briac.barthes@hilyte-power.com