Direct Group Africa, in conjunction with SoloPower, is developing a solution for the sustainable development of micro communities that can be dependent on clean energy for electricity and hot water.
“We selected SoloPower’s technology because it is ideal for integration with our lightweight and modular housing designs,” said Johann Dreyer, chairman and CEO of Direct Group. “We believe that our innovative business model for low-cost and sustainable housing solutions will be a model to be emulated further in South Africa, the rest of Africa and other key emerging markets. Our business model relies on distributed energy solutions to enable low income communities – which are negatively impacted by weak grid access – to become self-sufficient. We look forward to working closely with SoloPower products to bring this innovative solution to our customers.”
SoloPower will supply products for factory integration – or building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) – that will be suitable for Direct Group’s lightweight roofing systems. According to SoloPower, their thin-film technology is a low-cost solution designed with South Africa’s low income and student housing needs in mind. Direct Group’s EEZI Thermal Modular Building System – a sophisticated composite building system utilized in flooring, walling and roofing – will be used in the development of the units. The installation process is fast and simple, according to the company, and is ideal for the rapid development of housing systems and communities.
“Direct Group has truly developed an innovative solution for affordable global housing,” said Rob Campbell, CEO of SoloPower Systems. “By integrating our technology with their housing designs, we are demonstrating the flexibility and versatility of our products, which can be utilized on both a stand-alone and integrated basis. Our industry-leading technology will add clean and sustainable energy to Direct Group’s model at the lowest possible cost. We will fully support the project with our local distributor partner Dumont Power.”