Consumer view: Tech issues limit PAYGo solar

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Pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) solar has been lauded as a solution for affordable solar energy, eliminating the upfront cost of a solar home system. But technology issues on PAYGo systems can be a blocker for services. This week, Renewables Rising interviewed Grace Paul, a solar home system owner from Machakos, Kenya, on her experience. 

• Grace’s solar home system includes solar panels and a lithium iron phosphate battery powering lights, a TV, and small appliances.

• “Even after I finished payments, the system sometimes locks unexpectedly. I’ve gone days without power, waiting for customer support to fix it. That unpredictability affects my daily life and farm productivity.”

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Grace installed the solar home system in 2020 and took 1 year to fully repay it under the PAYGo model. While it meets basic household needs, she points out a major drawback: “ On cloudy days, I have to reduce usage because the battery capacity is limited. For heavier tasks like irrigation, it’s barely enough.”

Grace’s experience has shaped her view on PAYGo solar for farming and business. While it meets basic household needs, she points out a major drawback: “The PAYG system isn’t flexible. On cloudy days, I have to reduce usage because the battery capacity is limited. For heavier tasks like irrigation, it’s barely enough.”

“It’s suitable for basic home use but not reliable for commercial activities. Downtime from software locks can seriously disrupt operations. I wish I had researched more before choosing PAYGo.”

Despite solar’s environmental benefits, Grace says she might consider returning to the grid if support issues persist. “Solar is clean and promising, but customer service matters just as much. At least with the grid, reconnections are more accountable.”

In her community, many are exploring solar due to limited grid infrastructure. “It’s either solar or kerosene lamps around here,” she says.

Looking ahead, Grace advises others: “If you want solar for irrigation or business, avoid PAYGo. Opt for outright purchase or higher-capacity systems. PAYGo works for basic lighting, but be ready to chase support when problems arise.”

PAYGo solar offers a practical entry point to clean energy for rural communities in Africa, but reveals challenges in flexibility and service that must be addressed for broader commercial adoption.