Solar energy is used to power homes, run vehicles and motorcycles among other things.

But it could also be an enabler for businesses.

This is because it uncouples businesses from fossil fuels.

Imagine any business using energy as a means to offer value to its clients.

Renewable energy installation costs need not be high.

It might just call for some innovation to use the limited resources available and offer affordable solutions to those in need.

But before your mind wanders into many possible businesses, one that rapidly comes to mind is the car wash.

THE CAR WASH

Located in our neighborhoods, many car washes make a kill over the weekend.

Besides, many of them are stationed just next to restaurants allowing their clientèle to enjoy sumptuous meals as their cars are attended to.

But many carwashes struggle to break even due to two draining costs: water and power.

But what if an innovation cuts down on these costs?

Well, an entrepreneur in Douala, Cameroon did just that.

Howash is a registered start up that seeks to take the car wash business to another level.

Armed with a cart installed with solar panels,  a water reservoir and a nozzle for spraying vehicles, Sylvain Honnang’s business has an advantage of mobility.

So far, he has employed several young men who operate the portable car wash carts which not only use solar energy to drive water but can regulate the nozzle pressure controlling power usage.

A single car wash takes about 15 minutes and attracts a cost of less than Kes 200.

But besides saving on costs, the portable car wash can offer services at the comfort of the customer.

Howash is among several African based start ups leveraging on renewable energy to build businesses that are not only sustainable but offer affordable services to people.

Besides, the business leaves the environment better than if fossil fuels were used.

AN ENABLER

Solar energy is not just a source of friendly renewable energy.

It also is a possible enabler of businesses in the MSME sector.

Now reimagine the businesses that use energy to directly offer value to their clients…

The barber shop…

The refreshment cart selling soft drinks/ice cream…

The pharmacy requiring refrigeration of drugs…

All these and many other businesses have an opportunity to delink from fossil fuels (and the grid) while banking on solar power for cheaper energy costs in the long run.

The initial set up costs may not necessarily be high.

A small solar powered barber shop may probably need just two or three efficient panels with a battery, inverter and charge controller all of which might attract a start-up cost of less than KES 100,000 (give or take).

But also have in mind that solar panel technology will keep on getting cheaper due to increased R&D.

Take for instance the emergence of thin layer solar cells which are printable on plastic sheets.

Such solar cells could be tailor-made to be fitted on roofs or windows.

In conclusion, solar energy offers more opportunities for the entrepreneurs willing to capitalize on it to the fullest.

We are better placed to exploit these opportunities as Africans now that we experience longer sun hours compared to other nations.

Inspired by Eco@Africa documentary on DW tv