Tech watch: Meet the portable all-in-one solar system

From the newsletter

China-based multinational heavy equipment manufacturer SANY has launched an All-in-One Mobile Photovoltaic (PV) System across West Africa. The innovation lies in its plug-and-play nature, which combines solar generation, storage and smart management. It targets the construction, mining, agriculture and remote residential sectors.

• Africa’s off-grid solar landscape has historically accelerated thanks to innovations such as the solar home systems and micro-grids. However, many solutions have so far required fixed infrastructure, complex installation or lack true mobility.

• Nigeria is thought to present a $10 billion annual opportunity in off-grid solar due to its large population lacking grid access and frequent power outages. West Africa’s solar PV market is growing at an estimated 32% a year. 

More details

• The system integrates 200 W solar panels, a 512 Wh lithium-ion phosphate battery, and a 500 W control box, with real-time monitoring via an app. Its dust-proof, heat-resistant design suits harsh African climates and no costly rooftop mounting. 

• Early adopters in Nigeria’s Kogi mining sector report zero downtime in operations, highlighting its reliability in remote sites. Unlike traditional solar setups, SANY’s unit requires no fixed infrastructure, slashing deployment time to under an hour. One mining operator said, “We had power running in under an hour, no technicians, no noise.”

• While other mobile solar products exist, few offer the same combination of lithium battery storage, smart MPPT technology, real-time cloud monitoring, and plug-and-play ease without civil engineering. The inclusion of a free solar panel is also rare among competitors, providing immediate value and lowering entry costs.

• Though exact pricing details are not publicly disclosed, its lack of installation costs is a plus. The system fits well within the continent’s broader energy transition goals. This aligns with Africa’s urgent need for affordable, clean energy solutions that can scale quickly.

• However, adoption barriers include upfront capital costs for smaller businesses and households and regulatory hurdles in some countries. To overcome these, targeted financing schemes, capacity building, and supportive policies are essential. Partnerships with local distributors and pay-as-you-go financing could further boost accessibility.

• Overall, the continent is poised for a wave of innovation in off-grid solar due to falling technology costs, rising energy demand, and policy momentum. AI-enabled energy management, hybrid microgrids, and modular battery systems are emerging trends. SANY’s mobile PV system could find applications beyond Nigeria and West Africa in East Africa’s mining hubs, Southern Africa’s agricultural zones, and even remote island communities.

Our take

• SANY's mobile PV system represents a critical leap in making reliable, clean energy accessible to Africa's hardest-to-reach populations. Its plug-and-play design directly addresses key pain points of traditional solar deployments: complex installations, high upfront infrastructure costs, and lack of portability. 

• The true potential of solutions like SANY's will be realised through strategic partnerships and innovative financing models. While the technical capabilities are impressive, overcoming the "last mile" challenges of adoption, particularly upfront costs and awareness, will be crucial. 

• SANY's entry into the African market with this mobile PV system signifies a maturing off-grid solar landscape that is moving beyond basic lighting to robust, industrial-grade power solutions.