IoT Smart Energy Success

IoT Powered Solar Energy.

Discover how we help SolarNow to scale its solar energy system into new regions with reliable IoT connectivity.

SolarNow changes lives with off-grid solar energy

SolarNow is a for profit business with Dutch origins that is passionate about transforming lives. Creating off-grid solar energy in Africa, often replacing dangerous kerosene lamps, it is empowering the remotest businesses and communities throughout East Africa by delivering life-changing equipment and appliances in homes, farms, schools, health centres and businesses.

As SolarNow deployed more appliances they looked at areas for business growth, improvement and innovation. The team recognised that the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with cellular connectivity could help them to identify and address any recurring challenges. It would also provide them with a platform to collect and analyse data to improve customer service response times, as well as enable the provisioning of more credit due to better insights into customer behaviour.

Why SolarNow chose Eseye

Delivering solar power in Africa

Transforming lives

SolarNow lighting and connected appliances have powered more than 4000 businesses and reached over 50,000 households.

Save and earn money

The business model has helped people to reduce their energy bills and make money by generating renewable electricity.

Reduced Co2 emissions

More than 220,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions have been avoided with SolarNow’s smart energy solution.

Want the full story?

Take a deeper dive into SolarNow’s IoT journey. Find out how we helped them overcome hurdles that might stall your IoT project, and see how we can help your business succeed with IoT.

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As SolarNow deployed more appliances they looked at areas for business growth, improvement, and innovation. The team recognised that the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with cellular connectivity could help them to identify and address any recurring challenges. It would also provide them with a platform to collect and analyse data to improve customer service response times, as well as enable the provisioning of more credit due to better insights into customer behaviour.

The time, costs and risks involved in setting up IoT deployments can be daunting. SolarNow researched the market to identify potential technology partners with the expertise to create a secure, scalable, cellular-connected IoT device. After investigating different solutions, the company chose to work with Eseye and our AnyNet Secure® SIM that facilitates seamless and global integration into the AWS IoT Core platform.

By embracing Eseye’s leading IoT connectivity solution and integrating with Amazon Web Services (AWS), SolarNow has increased its ability to rapidly deploy new IoT-ready appliances that deliver in-depth data analytics and improve customer service.

Now the company is completely self-reliant in securely connecting and managing its growing product portfolio. SolarNow’s solutions offer a reliable and, in many cases, vital source of power making it a viable alternative to the grid.

There are endless stories of how its appliances are making a real difference every day. For example, dairy farmer Chris was previously spending around $880 per year on drinking for his cows, but with a SolarNow water pump he has increased his net income by $508 per year.

Harnessing IoT with SolarNow

Switching as a service

Our enhanced IoT connectivity eSIM solution incorporates a unique Switching as a Service feature, meaning that SolarNow can remotely and securely activate, provision, authenticate and certify additional networks to deployed devices over-the-air, in up to 190 countries.

IoT device design

Working with developers at SolarNow, we created software and supplied a reference design so the engineers would receive parts when required. This results in less time on the road, reduction in CO2 and more time delivering the best service possible for the customer.

Accelerated IoT deployment

Together with AWS, we simplified and accelerated SolarNow’s IoT deployment and reduced the need to invest in specialist in-house infrastructure or development resources. AWS’ software tools and cloud enable SolarNow to analyse real-time data and scale instantly and securely, on demand.

Secure data transmission

The AWS IoT platform controls communication with the remote device, using its Rules Engine and Lambda function. Every time information is received from a remote device, the Lambda function is automatically activated to receive and package the data and transfer it into SolarNow’s AWS system running on the AWS Cloud.

By turning to cellular connectivity, SolarNow can improve provision of credit, mostly through better insights into client behaviour and making solar more accessible through affordable finance. Using cellular connectivity also means the performance of the ‘Solar System’ can be remotely monitored, identifying potential tampering issues whilst ensuring a much better service for customers
Peter Huisman, CTO

Previously, SolarNow’s microprocessor only had the ability to communicate locally on the circuit board. However, by wiring the new Eseye Hera 100 hardware module into the existing microprocessor, messages can be instantly sent, and the data delivered directly onto the AWS IoT Cloud.Ultimately, the power of Eseye enabled IoT, integrated directly with AWS is helping to empower people and truly change lives in some of the remotest parts of Africa
Paul Marshall, Co-Founder and CCO