Coca-Cola has launched a solar energy product, BrightBox, to enable small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to cut their energy costs.
A partnership with sustainable energy solutions provider One Degree Solar will see owners of Coca-Cola kiosks receive energy kits to power their energy needs on their premises.
The kits will provide the business owners with energy needs such as light, phone charging and radio.
The unveiling of the project comes after a six-month pilot project in approximately 100 kiosks within and around Nairobi was completed in November 2012. Results showed business owners cut their energy expenses by 90 per cent and increased their earnings by 15 per cent, an equivalent of KSh2,736 (US$32).
“These small business owners, 48 per cent of whom are women, would normally close at sundown due to lack of electricity, or remain open after-dark by using kerosene lamps, candles, and flashlights,” the company said.
Nairobi Bottlers managing director Patrick Pech said: “As a company, we value partnerships that impact positively on the lives of our customers and business partners, and that’s why we believe this project with One Degree Solar will go a long way in helping retailers and kiosk owners extend their operating hours, reduce their operating costs, and experience the numerous benefits of renewable energy.”
An earlier report by the GSMA showed the relationship between electricity and the mobile network with network penetration being hindered in parts where there is limited electricity supply. By February 2010, only 30 per cent of Kenyans had access to grid electricity. Solar power offers a viable and efficient way to power most homes.
