Simpa Solar Home System

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$80.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Simpa Networks employs payroll sales agents and has registered dealers who distribute the systems.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include OffGridBox, Azuri 50W, TV120 Solar Home System, Mobisol Solar Home System, M-KOPA IV Solar Home System, and Lumeter PAYG Technology.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Simpa's components are manufactured by partners in India and China. Solar panels are made of monocrystalline and multi-crystalline material. The metering mechanism is composed of a glass display and a rubber keyboard. The enclosure box is made of sheet metal. Simpa’s vendor in Chennai, India, assembles all its electric circuits, but the meter and hardware design are performed in-house. The company’s LED lights are sourced from Solarland and Schneider Electric. Each light is assembled from glass and aluminum, with fitted electric wires. Simpa’s fan, made of fiber-plastic, is sourced from its supplier in China.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the product directly from Simpa Networks.

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2019, Simpa Networks has deployed 44,049  Solar Home Systems. The company has provided 352,655 users with clean energy, and 7,623,496 KWh of generated energy.

Design Specifications

Simpa Networks offers systems with panel ratings ranging from 30 - 100 watts and battery sizes ranging from 17 - 26 Ah. Pay as you go functionality is enabled through retail agents and a keypad approach. Mobile payments are not yet widespread in India, as compared to parts of the African SHS market. Therefore, customers must pay a Simpa agent and receive a code until the system is paid off entirely. The code refers to a specific number of days of energy availability ^{Interview with representative, June 2016}.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Provided by Simpa Networks. The installation of the SHS is done by Sympa Certified Technicians. For technical support, it is possible to contact Simpa Networks with questions. Customers can reach out to the Customer Care number directly, or they can ask their Customer Relationship Associate who can visit their home or speak to them by phone.

Replacement Components

Users can purchase replacement components from Simpa Networks.

Lifecycle

7 - 10 years with a 3-year warranty on the system and a 1-year warranty on the battery ^{interview with representative}.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Unknown

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

Precaution must be taken regarding electrical contacts, users must refer to proper electrical installation and control guidelines.

Complementary Technical Systems

Users may be able to upgrade their Sympa Solar System with the appropriate technical knowledge and sufficient energy generation. Such upgrades include televisions, radios, or more lights.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Simpa Solar Home Systems follow the Indian Battery (management and handling) rules. They are also in compliance with the relevant regulations under the Indian Environment Protection Act.

Evaluation methods

The manufacturers cite product failure rate and the number of component replacements per month, as evaluation criteria.

Other Information

More information about Simpa products can be found on their news website. A video showcasing the Simpa product can be found here.