Solar installer Off Grid Electric partners with EDF in West Africa

Tanzania-headquartered solar installer Off Grid Electric said on Wednesday it has entered into a partnership with French energy group EDF (EPA:EDF) to provide solar kits for rural and peri-urban households in West Africa.

The companies will start their alliance with the establishment of a joint venture (JV), called ZECI, in Ivory Coast this quarter. The objective of this initial JV is to supply solar power to almost 2 million people in the country by 2020.

The pair plans to rapidly extend the partnership’s activities to other countries in the region, Off Grid Electric said in a statement.

ZECI will be engaged in the installation and maintenance of solar kits that include solar panels and batteries for storing energy. The system will allow rural and peri-urban homes to use a suite of household appliances such as TV sets, radios, fans and mobile phone chargers.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!