Barefoot Power launches new household and business solar systems

Barefoot Connect 600

Barefoot Power launched its Barefoot Connect solar systems today, increasing electricity access for households and businesses in developing countries.

Barefoot Connect systems are expandable, durable and affordable, bringing brighter light, longer run times and the ability to power DC devices such as radios, fans and TVs for communities with little or no access to electricity currently.

This new product series goes beyond having a durable and convenient light and phone charging solution, Barefoot Power Sales Manager for Americas & Asia Abigail Kehr said.

“We listened to our customers’ feedback and have many additional features in our new systems, such as brighter and more robust lights, battery charge indicators, low battery warning system, USB outputs to charge smart phones and more. Our products are built to last without requiring any maintenance and carry a two-year manufacturer’s warranty,” Ms Kehr explained.

The Connect series provides a reliable and affordable alternative to the current option of dirty and dangerous kerosene for people living off the electricity grid around the world. Four additional products will be added to the Connect range before the end of 2013, including mobile phone charging stations and solar kits with fans for customers hot climates.

Switching to solar power save families money over time, with payback periods as short as 4 months, and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, while also improving the user’s health.

Kenyan mother of four Esther Muthoni said she hated having to buy “smelly and expensive kerosene” every day, but hasn’t looked back since switching to solar-powered devices.

“Now I am self-reliant and my children can study at night in the main house, not in the kitchen any more. My first born in class 2 has improved to top ten position in her class. They’re doing better in school!” Ms Muthoni said.

The impact of solar energy is equally promising for small businesses investing in a Barefoot Power Connect. Shopkeepers have seen dramatic increases in sales after installing bright and clean LED lighting instead of using the diesel generators or unreliable (and sometimes illegal) electrical connections they struggled with before.

In Nigeria, petty trader Adebakin F. purchased a Barefoot Power solar product 8 months ago and said, “it has been a life transforming experience for me and my business. The solar light is brighter than kerosene lamp, which makes my environment attractive to my customer, hence I’ve witnessed increased sales because my products are now visible. With this I don’t have any problem of kerosene splashing on my goods. This lamp is environmentally friendly as it does not emit soot like kerosene”.

Indian shopkeeper Ravi P. admitted he was surprised at the results from installing solar power. “I was sceptical at first when they told me all the benefits of solar power, but now that I’ve been using this system for 3 months, I am convinced. Not only does this save me a lot of hassle with the diesel generator, but it also increased my shop’s sales by 35%. I never expected that.”

In Uganda, Aresh M. has been selling Barefoot Power products for more than two years. “Everything you need comes in one box. Before, I had to gather all of the components for solar home systems myself bit by bit. I always had a hard time finding good quality components. Now that I’ve been selling Barefoot Power, I’m really excited for these new products. Also I like that they’ve extended the warranty to two years because that means I can provide even better after-sales service to my customers,” he said.

With high quality and affordable solar power systems from Barefoot Power, families and small businesses around the world are improving their lives in subtle ways that make a big difference.

To find out more about Barefoot Power’s products, distribution models and financing opportunities visit www.barefootpower.com