ETHEKWINI Municipality has launched Project Smart Solar, a smart energy pilot programme designed to help homes use energy more intelligently, and has invited qualifying homes to apply to participate.

Also read: Umgababa schools go solar

In a statement, the City said Project Smart Solar is also designed to support grid resilience and contribute to a stronger, greener city. There are 280 spots available, and applications are now open and will close at the end of August.

The statement said the pilot project is being delivered in partnership with Plentify, a South African energy tech company, and supported by international development partners, including the Agence Française de Développement, the European Union, and the EU Delegation to SA.

Tumisang Kalagobe, the Project Smart Solar leader at Plentify, said Project Smart Solar also includes a skills development component. Youth recruited through the eThekwini Municipal Academy database will be upskilled by Plentify’s professional installation team and, where possible, employed to support installations.

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“Skills development is an important part of making the energy transition more inclusive. It offers hands-on experience and transferable technical skills to young people,” said Kalagobe.

Homes with solar and battery systems are encouraged to apply. They could qualify if they have an electric geyser, solar PV panels, battery storage, a compatible inverter system, and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Households without solar also qualify if they have an electric geyser and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
Selected participants will receive the Plentify Home Energy Management System, which includes SolarBot and/or HotBot devices, as well as access to the Plentify Home App.

A SolarBot is Plentify’s intelligent controller for solar and battery systems that help households use more solar energy, rely less on the grid, and stay protected during outages. A HotBot is Plentify’s intelligent geyser controller that automatically heats water at the right times based on a household’s needs, ensuring hot water is available when needed while reducing unnecessary electricity use.

Professional installation and ongoing support will also be provided at no cost throughout the pilot. To apply, go to: https://plentify.io/project-smart-solar/

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