Solar biz set to shine in rural areas
A GROUP of young entrepreneurs, that includes billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s son, has launched a business that aims to deal a blow to the candle manufacturing business.
ePower Holdings, owned by entrepreneurs Tariq Yusuf, Brent Peterson, Rudi van der Westhuizen and Tlhopie Motsepe, produces and franchises solar-powered containers that can charge up to 1 000 batteries in a day. The containers can last up to three days without any sun, with the solar panels boasting a 20-year warranty. They are aimed at rural and informal communities.
The size of the containers ranges from six to 12m and sell for between R600 000 and R1-million. They also have Wi-Fi capabilities. Group spokesman Yusuf said it generated revenue by selling household batteries with 12-volt capabilities for R100 and come with an LED light that can light a small room. The battery is also capable of charging small appliances in a household.
“If you are charging 1 000 batteries in a day, you could make R10 000 a day,” he said.
The batteries will last for two years. “If you look at the cost of candles, they are spending more on that and they are going to save way more every month,” Yusuf said.
“We also charge people’s phones and this comes at a cost of R5 if they have their own charger and R7 if they don’t.
“Our goal for this is to franchise around Africa and to empower entrepreneurs who can buy a container from us and we will assist them with a business plan.”
The containers also provide communities with 24-hour TV viewing, an internet café as well as educational platforms. Yusuf said 800 000 people in SA were without power and would be viewed as the target market.