Lumos Kit

Nova Lumos, Ltd.

The Lumos Kit is a solar home system with an integrated Pay-As-You-Go functionality.

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Manufacturing & delivery
Performance & use
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Product description Brand name and product description

The Lumos Kit is a solar home system with a Pay-As-You-Go functionality developed and manufactured by Nova Lumos, Ltd. The system includes a solar panel, a battery, LED lamps for lightning, and 8 output ports through which mobile phones can be charged and TV, radios, or other products added.

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

Nigeria

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

Nova Lumos, Ltd and MTN.

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

The Lumos Kit has a PAYGO business model. Users pay an initial commitment fee of 75 USD for which they commit to a 5-years lease. After the initial payment users have to choose a 3 (2 USD), 7 (4.25 USD) or 30 (16.5 USD) days usage fee.

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

The Lumos Kit competes with other Pay-As-You-Go solar home systems, such as Mobisol and M-KOPA IV.

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Off-grid residential and small businesses.

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

This product is mass produced.

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

Trademarked.

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

Users can obtain the Lumos Kit through MTN, which is Nova Lumo’s mobile services partner. Customers can sign an agreement were they enter a 5-year lease with a first pay as a commitment fee. Once this is done in MTN’s facilities, customers receive the Lumos Kit by choosing a 3, 7 or 30 days of energy utility service.

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

As of 2016, sales up to more than 100,000 units were expected.

Fields marked are sourced values that have been evaluated by the manufacturer or a third party, all others are design specifications.

Description of power outputs

Number and type of power outputs

2 USBs and 6 DC outlets

Description of light points

Number and type of light points

2 LEDs

Total lighting service (lumen-hours per solar-day)

Manufacturer-specified lumen-hours per solar day

Unknown

Peak power rating (Wp)

Peak power rating of the solar panel in standardized sunlight conditions, provided by the manufacturer

83 Wp

Battery capacity (kWh; mAh)

Manufacturer-specified battery capacity

25,000 mAh

Nominal battery voltage (V)

Manufacturer-specified battery voltage

14.52 V

Battery type

Type of battery used

Lithium ion

User replaceable battery (yes/no)

Can the user easily replace the battery if needed?

Remote system diagnostics (yes/no)

Can this system be monitored remotely?

Yes

Payment structure

Type of user payment structure

Pay-as-you-go

Mobile service required (yes/no)

Does this system require mobile connectivity (either for payments or to function)?

Yes

Design specifications Component and Operation overview including power, portability, facility requirements, preventative maintenance and user training requirements

Specifications:

1 – 83 W Polycrystalline solar panel
1 – 25 Ah Lithium ion battery
2 – LED lamps light points
2 – USB ports
6 – 12 V ports

Product schematics Design and assembly illustrations

Technical support Technical support provided by

MTN mobile services company offers customer support 24/7 through a care line that is free for their subscribers. MTN´s staff has been trained on the Lumos energy kit. In case they can´t help with any specific technical problem, Lumos staff will intervene.

Replacement components Availability of replacement components (in-country, by order,...)

Only the solar panel and LED lamps can be replaced, the battery is not replaceable.

Lifecycle Disposal and warranty

Exact lifetime period unknown. However, the manufacturers offer repair services for the solar panel and indoor units during a period of 5 years.

Manufacturer specified performance targets Designer / Manufacturer specified targets

Manufacturers specify as their solution: all day access to reliable electricity, safe, fumeless and noiseless power, small payments over 5 years, reduced energy bill by up to 1/3 and worry free with 5 years repair service.

Vetted performance Findings of manufacturer evaluations or independent testing centers

Lightning Global verified the following quality standards categories: truth in advertising, lumen maintenance, battery composition, protection and durability, physical ingress protection, water ingress protection, soldering and electronics workmanship, mechanical durability, minimum warranty terms and performance reporting.

GSMA conducted a case study on Lumos PAYGO systems in Nigeria. The company gave a grant to Lumos to trial prepaid utility services that uses airtime credit to test the feasibility of PAYG solar in West African markets with limited mobile money penetration. Through the pilot conducted the following key findings were identified:

Airtime is a viable payment mechanism for PAYG in markets with limited mobile money penetration.
PAYG energy can generate as much gross revenue as voice and SMS while reducing churn for mobile operators in large off-grid markets.
Mobile operators can provide a path to scale for sales and distribution.
The Lumos system is a viable alternative to household petrol generators.

Testing organizations Independent lab, academic research centers, etc.

Lighting Global (Shenzhen Academy of Metrology and Quality Inspection).

Safety Potential hazards / risks related to operation of this product

If pressure is applied on the photovoltaic panel by sitting or stepping on it, the device might break and cause bodily injury or electrical shock.

Precaution must be taken regarding electrical contacts or wiring, the person handling them must use adequate safety gear.

To avoid electrical shock, the photovoltaic panel must be earth grounded.

A minor risk of burns exists due to the heating of the photovoltaic panel’s surface by the sun.

Complementary technical systems Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

The system can be upgraded by the addition of a television, fan or radio.

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

2016. Mobile for Development Utilities. Lumos: Pay-as-you-go solar in Nigeria with MTN. GSMA

Compliance with regulations Product certifications and standards referenced by designer/manufacturer

Complies with IEC 62257-9-5.

Evaluation methods Evaluation methods/protocols/guidelines referenced by designer or manufacturer.

Tested according to IEC/TS 62257-9-5 by Lighting Global.

Other information

None.

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