Unlike electricity from gas or coal, solar energy is free, reliable, and clean. Once solar panels are installed, a company can become self-sufficient when it comes to powering machinery, tools, equipment, and facilities. And tapping into independent solar energy storage units means solar power is literally saved for a rainy day. 

To maximize solar energy collection and use, it’s very important to invest in quality solar panels and energy storage modules. With so many options in the market, it may be challenging to determine what to prioritize when assessing the quality of solar panels. Three things to consider are supplier certifications, the lifespan of solar panels, and the power tolerance of solar panels. 

Solar panel supplier certifications 

Where are the solar panels manufactured? 

Solar panels are manufactured all around the world. Some countries are already known for quality production. For example, German products are known for quality – and this is the case for solar panels produced in Germany, too. If you’re shopping around for tier 1 solar panels for your business, consider the reputation of the supplier’s country, or find out where their products are produced. 

Who provides quality control? 

Once you select a provider, you will want to determine who is responsible for quality control. For example, REDAVIA’s solar products are evaluated by an independent control institute. 

• Product design and component selection: PI Berlin
• Compliance of system and components with international standards, 6-8 weeks
• Shipping and local country standards: Intertek/SGS
• Pre-Export Verification Of Conformity to Standards (PVOC) of components for shipping and delivery country standards , 4 weeks
• Delivery EXW and packing for shipping: Redavia China representative
• Compliance with Redavia order specifications prior to shipping, 1-2 days

With this seal of approval, a company can be sure that the solar panels they use to power their business are top quality. REDAVIA’s solar panels have a 25-years warranty, guaranteeing lasting quality. 

What certifications does the solar panel company have? 

As solar panels become more popular, governments and utility companies continue to set standards to ensure quality standards of solar panels. In some countries, certain certifications for off-grid or on-grid solutions are required. When comparing the technical specifications of tier 1 solar panel companies, you might notice different acronyms and numbers. These refer to solar panel testing standards and certifications. Two common acronyms are IEC and UL, which stand for International Electrotechnical Commission and Underwriters Laboratories. REDAVIA has three product certifications from PI Berlin:

• Certificate of Conformity for Redavia Fast Track Solar Gen 1.4 Ground Mount (FTS-80GM) dated 12th Jan 2019
• Certificate of Conformity for Redavia Fast Track Solar 40 Carport (FTS-40CP) dated 1st November 2019
• Certificate of Conformity for Redavia Fast Track Solar 60 Roof Mount (FTS-60RM) dated 7th October 2020

and as a provider of climate-friendly energy solutions from Germany, we are approved by “Mittelstand Global – Energy solutions made in Germany.” 

Tier 1 designation 

“Tier 1” is a rating that a solar panel manufacturer can receive from an independent analyst. It is directly related to quality and involves high scores in a range of criteria from the manufacturer’s experience to their insurance and the durability of the product. You can use this tier 1 rating to filter through the solar panel suppliers you are considering, but you should also pay attention to the manufacturer’s customer service and reputation. 

Lifespan of solar panels 

The lifespan of a tier 1 solar panel is between 25 and 30 years. After 25 years, a solar panel won’t suddenly stop working. However, its efficiency may begin to decrease. Unless damaged by weather or debris, a solar panel will continue to generate energy for many decades, but it may not produce as much energy as it did when it was new. Working with a reputable supplier will help ensure that the solar panels for your business are durable and weather resistant. It’s important to consider solar panel lifespan when assessing the quality of the product because you can obviously gain the most return on investment when your solar panel installation functions properly for several decades. 

Power tolerance of solar panels 

Power tolerance is another piece of data that you would find in the product specs of the solar panels you are comparing. Represented with two percentages, it is a measure of how much a solar panel’s maximum output can deviate in conditions that match the lab settings it was tested in (also known as standard test condition or STC). REDAVIA’s solar panel modules have a power tolerance of -0% / +5%. This means its modules can produce between 535Wp and 539W in standard test conditions. You can tell that this is a high-quality module because the negative power tolerance is zero. This means that the solar panels will not produce less power than its maximum rate. 

Power tolerance and solar panel farms 

When you have a larger installation or a solar panel farm that supplies energy for your business, it’s important that the power tolerance of all the modules is the same. If you have modules with varying voltages connected together, referred to as “solar panel mismatch,” energy will be lost. 

Furthermore, this can also wear down the solar panels and shorten their lifespan and overall efficiency. 

Positive power tolerance

As investments are made into the innovation of solar panels, it’s becoming more common for solar panels to have a 0% negative power tolerance, which means they will never produce less power than its maximum rating at STC. A change in power tolerance could mean reduced revenue, so it is ideal when the power tolerance range is minimal because that makes energy production – and therefore how much money you save on paying for traditional electricity – more accurate. 

Getting started on solar panel research 

When you start your research on using solar energy for your business, take a look at our article about the first five things you should consider. Quality is at the very top of the list. When you choose a high-quality product, you invest your business’ money in a clean solution that eliminates your dependence on the grid for decades. But if you want your investment to have an economical meaning, it’s important to focus on quality and to choose manufacturers who have a reputation for quality products. REDAVIA is a reliable and reputable partner. We would be happy to tell you more about our off- and on-grid solar energy and storage solutions used in East and West Africa 

We invite you to contact us to learn more. 

hello@redaviasolar.com

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powering machinery, operations, and equipment. Solar energy is an attractive option, but few people know that it is also an affordable option and one that makes a significant impact on business profit in a short timeframe.

When you begin considering switching to solar energy for a business, there are five important criteria to consider: quality of the tier-1 solar panels, their efficiency, the size of the solar power plant, your business’ options for energy storage, and the reputation of the solar panel provider.

As you browse the market and conduct your research, it is important to remember that not all solar panels are created equal. Be clear about your requirements and criteria so that you can make a selection that gives your business the best return on investment when it comes to solar energy.

1.  Quality of the solar panels

The first proof of quality you want to look for is quality certification and that a provider’s products consistently meet quality standards. If this is the case, you can be certain that the final installation has been tried and tested. The quality of a solar panel can depend on the material used, its all-weather durability, proper assembly, and where the panels were developed & produced.

2.  Efficiency of the solar panels

According to EnergySage, “There are several factors that determine how efficient a solar panel is. At its core, a solar panel cell’s efficiency is determined by how much incoming sunlight the cell can convert into usable electricity.”

A highly efficient solar panel is not an indication of quality, but rather helps you determine what kind of installation would be best for your business. With limited space to mount solar panels, you would want more efficient photovoltaic (PV) panels.

3.  Size of the solar panel farm

When talking about the size of solar panels for businesses, we actually mean the total installed capacity of a solar power plant and not the physical size of the panels themselves. For solar energy to be an effective solution for businesses in the agro foods processing, mining, manufacturing, hospitality, and utility   sectors, the installed solar capacity needs to be carefully engineered. To achieve this, it’s important to determine the size of the system. REDAVIA’s high-quality, German-made options include a Fast Track Solar 80 Ground Mount Unit (FTS-80GM), a Fast Track Solar 40 Carport (FTS-40CP), and a Fast Track Solar 60 Roof Mount (FTS-60RM) 

4.  Solar energy storage options for businesses

Solar energy can only be captured during the day, and if it’s not stored or used in the moment, then any extra energy is lost. This is where storage options come into play. Considering that many businesses also

use electricity at night, a proper storage option can be extremely valuable. An Energy Storage Module stores additional solar energy that isn’t needed during the day so it can be used at a later stage – like at night or on a rainy day. REDAVIA’s all-weather Energy Storage Module is compatible with both on- and off-grid solutions. When collected solar energy is stored, it can also be used to help bridge the gap when there are grid disruptions – this is an important way that solar energy can help industrial businesses decrease dependence on the grid and use a more reliable and less expensive form of energy.

> Explore our case studies to find one from your sector

5.  The reputation of the solar panel provider

Like with any business partnership, you want to work with a partner you can trust, one who delivers on what they promise and who communicates transparently. Does your potential solar panel partner have a good reputation or standing in the market? Do they offer a unique warranty on their product or services? How involved are they in the installation of your solar panels? Is their pricing model fair and offers good value for money? These are important questions to ask yourself while you explore your options. Don’t hesitate to ask for quotes and to get in touch with service providers to see how they can tailor their offerings to meet your unique needs.

REDAVIA, for example, is a market leader in solar panel farms with German-engineered systems and has a regional focus on east and west Africa. We have an innovative pay-as-you-go system and pre-configured solutions that require minimal upfront investments. We have a proven track record of being a reliable partner for businesses that want to reduce costs by switching to solar energy.

 What questions to ask when researching solar panels for businesses

Researching can be time-consuming, but it is certainly time well spent. To be as efficient as possible,  make a list of your specific criteria before you dive into your search. Know what you need and what you want so you can narrow your online search and weed out any providers that focus on only solar panels for homes or who supply their services in a different region of the world. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you begin:

• Do we need an off-grid or an on-grid solution?
• How much space do we have for a solar panel farm?
• Is there a supplier who specializes in solar energy solutions for businesses in our industry?
• Do we want a solar energy storage solution?
• What kind of quality standards do the provider’s products meet?

By considering these five factors when exploring solar panel options, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed decision for the solar power installation for your business. If you have any questions about REDAVIA’s unique pay-as-you-go option and flexible leases, we encourage you to get in touch with us directly. Now you’ll even know what questions to ask, and we guarantee we will have transparent answers that we know we can put into action.

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Over the years, the cost of doing business has gone up, thus affecting business operations.
Particularly, business operations in Kenya are greatly affected by the high electricity costs
and grid power unreliability.
With the current increased business risk due to the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more
businesses are turning to alternative energy sources to reduce their power cost. With the
guarantee of efficiency and affordability that comes with solar energy, many business
owners are keen on learning more about solar energy.

Why You Should Go Solar in Kenya?

Harnessing the power of the sun to power your business comes with many benefits:

1. Affordable

Compared to the average electricity prices globally, businesses in Kenya pay approximately
Ksh 6 more per kWh. In order to save on electricity costs, solar energy makes business
sense, especially with the price of solar panels having decreased over the past years.
Additionally, with a lease-to-own deal, businesses have only minimal up-front cost and will
own the solar farm at the end of the lease period.

2. Clean

Climate change is the key challenge of our generation. Customers, financiers, and other
stakeholders require businesses to do their part. As more businesses transition to clean
energy, the adverse effects of climate change will slow down, positively impacting the
environment. With solar, provided on a lease-to-own basis, businesses can optimize their
carbon footprint, and, at the same time, optimize their cash flow.

3. Reliable

Power quality and reliability are important drivers of predictable, profitable business
operations. In Kenya, unexpected power cuts, voltage drops, and frequency fluctuations
have wide-ranging negative effects on operational performance. Solar energy, when
combined with energy storage solutions improves power quality and reliability, thus
improving business operational performance and profitability.
In short, solar provides a valuable, business-savvy solution to the increasing cost of doing
business in Kenya, especially by providing affordable, clean, and reliable power for
business.

Ready to Go Solar in Kenya?

With our proven track record in providing solar energy, REDAVIA offers an array of
products for businesses in East and West Africa
Contact us now to discover more about our solutions.

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By CEO Erwin Spolders

In 2010, I founded REDAVIA with a simple vision for clean, affordable energy and a mission to use solar energy as a key driver for sustainable development. I started out with a unique, modular design that I knew would lower costs and provide a flexible, risk-mitigated solution for businesses.

Over the course of 10 years, the REDAVIA Team has taken this innovative design and expanded it into a full product line of modular, lease-to-own solar solutions. Now in 2020, we provide clean, affordable energy to customers in Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania, enabling them to reduce costs, increase their operational flexibility, and reduce the carbon footprint of their business.

Looking ahead to the future, the REDAVIA Team and I are excited to bring these benefits to more and more customers every year. We are immensely grateful to the customers and funders who have joined us on our journey so far, and we cannot wait to continue serving them and to start serving more businesses waiting for us to meet their energy needs.

Happy 10th birthday to REDAVIA! Here’s to 10 more years of sustainable economic growth through solar!

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By CEO Erwin Spolders

At REDAVIA, we know that clean, affordable energy is vital for growing businesses. Our solar farms generate the power that keeps machines running, sustains electric operations, and simply turns on the lights. Most importantly, they do all that while generating savings which our clients can reinvest into the growth of their businesses.

But knowing all of that, we still believe that our solar power units can achieve more. With our new REDAVIA Fast Track Solar 40 Carport (FTS-40CP), REDAVIA offers businesses the opportunity to maximize the use of their land by turning their parking lots into a dual purpose space: Energy generation plus upscale vehicle shading and protection.

The hot, pervasive sunshine is one of the reasons why solar power works so well in Ghana and Kenya, but it also means that cars parked without any shade can quickly become overheated. In REDAVIA’s FTS-40CP design, the solar modules are supported by a premium aluminum carport, providing an ideal location to park cars, keeping them cool and safe. With this product, REDAVIA clients can provide their customers with a luxury parking experience while implementing a cost-efficient energy solution. It’s a win-win scenario!

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By CEO Erwin Spolders

REDAVIA has been serving African customers since 2010. Today, we have solar farms across Africa, delivering our low-cost energy to diverse businesses spanning sectors such as education, mining, agrofoods, and manufacturing.

I mentioned last year that we are in the middle of a perfect storm for solar. The price of solar panels has been falling steadily over the past few decades, making solar power increasingly affordable, even when compared with the main grid price. With such optimal economics, REDAVIA is now expanding our presence to Kenya. Today, Kenyan businesses also can benefit from REDAVIA’s lowest cost, most flexible solar leasing service, to save money and reduce carbon emissions.

We are very excited for this next chapter in REDAVIA’s story. The Kenyan market provides fresh opportunities for us to deliver innovative solutions, including our new carport leasing product. With these thrilling developments on the horizon, the REDAVIA Team is looking forward to finishing out the last half of 2019 strong!

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Affan Ahsan, Senior Operations Manager

“As the Senior Operations Manager, I’m responsible for the technical operations of this company as we cycle through the sales, mobilization and solar farm operations process. I start at the project proposal stage where I analyze the project techno-economic attractiveness before producing lease offers and contracts. Then I oversee the technical design of the project and manage the project deployment through our on-site employees. The next phase of my work is to oversee solar plant operations and maintenance, and of course performance, through our 24/7/365 monitoring and field-force management portal.

One of the key focuses of my role is customer satisfaction. In the project feasibility stage, I ensure that the project is designed in such a way that creates financial value for the customer. During plant operation, I verify that REDAVIA delivers the value which we promised to the customers in our offer.”

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By CEO Erwin Spolders

As 2018 wraps up, the REDAVIA team was happy to finish the year with our largest deal to date in Ghana. Special Ice, Ghana’s leading beverage manufacturing company, signed a contract for nine solar units and a total of 756 kWp at their factory in the Oyarifa district in Accra, which will represent REDAVIA’s largest solar farm in Ghana to date.

We are very proud to end the year on such a high note.  REDAVIA has been working hard all year to gain the trust of businesses in Ghana, and this deal confirms the benefit of solar power and its impact to the bottom line of growing companies like Special Ice.

The team in Ghana will use this momentum to carry us into 2019 with a strong start. As I have discussed already, we are in the middle of a perfect storm for solar power, and we are excited to see what we will achieve in the new year.

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By CEO Erwin Spolders

Right now, we are right in middle of the perfect storm for solar power. Five key factors are converging to create the ideal environment for businesses to transition to solar energy, thereby accelerating job creation, economic growth and energy security. Find out what factors create this perfect storm and why you should act right now:

    1) Cost Advantage – Solar makes great business sense. It is cost-effective; transitioning to solar enables businesses to make 20% savings in overall electricity bills. Additionally, with a lease-to-own deal, businesses will own the solar farm at the end of the contract.

    2) Availability – Sunshine is one of Ghana’s most abundant resources. However, Ghana uses less than 0.1% of the country’s solar power potential. Due to Ghana’s auspicious geographic location around the equatorial sun-belt, Ghana could produce 10 times its current electricity need if all available solar energy resources were used.

    3) Affordability – The price of solar panels has been falling steadily over the past few decades, making solar power increasingly affordable. Experts at Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) calculate that the cost of solar energy has decreased by 77% since 2009.

    4) Clean Energy – Businesses can reduce their carbon emissions by switching to clean energy like solar. Carbon reduction supports the climate goals of the Paris Agreement, and affordable and clean energy is one of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The transition to clean energy will slow down climate change, positively impacting the environment, hunger, and development.

    5) Governmental Support- Currently, only 1% of Ghana’s energy comes from solar power, but the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has pledged his commitment to increasing Ghana’s contribution of solar power to 10% by 2020. To achieve such a rapid increase, the government will need to support solar energy on both a public and private scale, forging a supportive environment for businesses to transition to solar.

With all of these factors converging in favor of solar, now is the perfect time to make the transition. This perfect storm has arrived with the opportunity for you to switch your business to affordable, renewable energy, so act right now!

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Angela Akwaah, Sales Support & Customer Success Manager at REDAVIA

“As the Sales Support and Customer Success Manager, I fulfill multiple, complementary roles within the Ghana team. I support the sales team here in Ghana, answering calls from people with questions about solar and REDAVIA, scheduling meetings, and arranging logistical details for the entire office.

“I also serve as the liaison between REDAVIA and our clients. I work to ensure that clients are happy and that REDAVIA is able to meet or exceed their expectations of providing reliable, cost-effective, clean energy that we have promised them. The best part of my job is providing the solution or part of the solution, either for the team here in Ghana or the client, when they come to me. At the end of the day, I like to make people happy.”

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