Welcome to our research collective!
The Co-producing Innovative and Disruptive Off-grid Energy Research Collective showcases development projects in South Africa that aim to bring about transformation in the energy sector, where off-grid energy is used as an exemplary case for exploring a range of disruptive, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions in informal settings.
Toward understanding the complexity of informal settings and how innovation can help counter inertia in the energy sector, projects cover a range of integrated and cross-cutting themes such as governance, wellbeing, geography, unemployment, and local politics. Wherever possible, the collective encourages capacity building and knowledge exchange between local project partners, where outcomes are co-produced by government officials, private sector professionals, non-profit organisations, and the community. |
OFF-GRID ENERGY IN INFORMAL SETTINGS
The collective showcases the use of off-grid solar energy as exemplary technology for developing disruptive and sustainable energy options in South Africa.
As informal settings can present challenges for the extension and retrofitting of existing grid energy access, the use of solar energy offers a counter-narrative for ensuring everyone in South Africa has access to safe and reliable energy for their needs. |
Capturing renewable energy from sun, wind, and water can be used to power appliances at the household level, including providing energy for small businesses.
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What is off-grid solar energy? Off-grid solar energy, or solar mini-grids, are a portable solar home system that captures the sun's rays and converts it into electricity. Consisting of a solar tower, battery, and connecting wire; home-based solar systems can provide renewable energy to one or more households and/or small businesses at any one time. |
Solar towers in Qando Qando, Cape Town
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Solar mini-grids are relatively easy to construct in informal settings in comparison to other forms of on-grid energy as they are standalone units and do not need to be connected to the existing electricity network. Solar towers and connections can be located within or outside an informal dwelling and require less space than on the on the grid energy. |
Solar tower installation in Jabula and Qando Qando, Cape Town
Producing energy via solar mini-grids presents livelihood opportunities for households and local businesses. Energy can be used at the household level for lighting and powering appliances (radios, televisions, and fridges) or be fed into the national energy grid. |
Uses of solar energy in households in Jubula and Qando Qando, Cape Town
What are the benefits of off-grid solar energy? Solar mini-grids offer benefits for residents and entrepreneurs:
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RESEARCH COLLECTIVE PROJECTS
Toward disrupting the inertia in the South African energy sector, projects showcased by the collective draw on a range conceptual approaches and research methods. Projects are mostly applied in nature and focus on a range of cross-cutting research themes.
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URBAN ENERGY TRANSITIONS
Status: Complete |
ENERGY4WELLBEING
Status: Active |
UMBANE
Status: Active |
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