Antaris Solar commissions first off-grid eKiss systems in Cameroon

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  Antaris Solar has commissioned South Africa's first off-grid stand-alone eKiss PV systems in Cameroon.
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  The Mini eKiss systems are more portable and has been dubbed as the eKiss system's "little brother".

Antaris Solar, a specialist in PV technology, has commissioned South Africa’s first eKiss systems in Cameroon through its sales partner SAF Solaire Africa and Village 21. Specifically, the partners have commissioned its mobile off-grid eKiss and Mini eKiss PV systems.

Since demonstrating the systems at Intersolar Europe in June, Antaris Solar reveals that it has seen a surge in demand for its eKiss (energy – Keep it simple & safe) and Mini eKiss systems. The systems are designed for stand-alone off-grid use and are particularly ideal for rural areas which do not have a reliable connection to an electricity grid. They operate on a stand-alone basis and generate electricity by using stored solar energy.

The eKiss systems provide outputs of between 350 and 2,000 watts. eKiss can be used either to replace or to supplement conventional diesel generators. This enables it to back up vital energy-dependent areas such as telecommunications, education and health systems and domestic power requirements. The eKiss systems are also particularly useful for organizations operating in the field of development aid due to the fact that they can be individually aligned to local conditions and put into service without any need for detailed technical knowledge.

The Mini eKiss system, meanwhile, has been dubbed the eKiss system’s “little brother” due to the portability it offers and may be more suited for small-scale entrepreneurs. As well as providing an attractive option for domestic use, the portable Mini eKiss box is also able to serve as a basis for business activity. The Mini eKiss is, for example, capable of charging up to 10 mobile telephones simultaneously. “Africa has regions where mobile communications networks are up and running despite the absence of an electricity grid”, the country manager for Africa at Antaris Solar, Barton Shasha, points out. “Using Mini eKiss as a mobile public charging station is an effective business model in such areas and also fosters telecommunications expansion.”

Commenting on its penetration into the African market, Shasha states, “We are currently endeavouring to expand our international network of distribution partners in order to be able to meet demand”.