Lumeter PAYG Technology

Target SDGs

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Since 2017, the Lumeter platform has been implemented by Mobisol.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include M-KOPA IV Solar Home System and Angaza PAYG Platform.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Lumeter Networks is an ICT technology provider that licenses its technology to third-party manufacturers or allows its integration with other solar systems providers.

Intellectural Property Type

Trade Secret

User Provision Model

Lumeter Networks is a B2B company. Manufacturers and distributors of products on Rent-to-Own and Pay-As-You-Go models may contact Lumeter Networks directly to procure the Lumeter technology. End-users of Lumeter metered systems may obtain access codes for the systems as tokens in one of three ways: payments at a local corner store, payments through mobile money (automated SMS delivery sends turn-on codes, and warnings), and/or payments to a sales employee directly.

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2020, Lumeter has been supporting over 20 solar distribution companies. Samples have been sold to clients in over 40 countries.

Design Specifications

Lumeter Networks delivers the custom PAYG technology solution and a customizable software back-end -Lumeter Luminutes- to manufacturers and distributors of essential technologies. The Lumeter Luminutes platform delivers real-time information about all customer transactions in real-time. It tracks and manages multiple metering systems and payment models and allows for custom modifications to meet the needs of business models as well as the ability to adapt and work with outside software. Examples of enabled systems include products from the following manufacturers:

• FOSERA
• OMNIVOLTAIC
• IBOXS
• MOAB
• TAI ENERGY

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Lumeter provides an integrated support service for distributors looking to add the OEM Meter to their product. It is a four-step process listed here:

1. Send a sample of the products and the circuit schematic to Lumeter in the USA.
2. Lumeter analyzes the optimal method to integrate the meter into the product and suggests possible improvements for future integration.
3. Lumeter sends the pay-as-you-go-enabled product back, along with documentation that captures the retrofit process through text, photos, and short video to enable engineers to duplicate the process.
4. Lumeter makes its engineers available to answer questions and troubleshoot as the integration proceeds.

Replacement Components

N/A

Lifecycle

The product has a two-year warranty. ^{Interview with representative}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Lumeter Networks claims that their PAYG Technology delivers:

• Plug-and-play products and individual system management
• Payment tracking in real-time
• Automated SMS delivery sends turn-on codes and warnings
• Substantial data collection for critical management choices

Vetted Performance Status

Manufacturer tested product. ^{Interview with representative}

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

Mobile phones are needed to buy electricity credit and manage their payments. Also, this product can be integrated with other systems such as solar home systems, mini-grids, and solar pumps.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Evaluation methods

Field trials. Customers report any failures.

Other Information

None