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INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
SA ’ s continuing power concerns inspire solar hybrid range
Defy , at the beginning of February ,
launched its newest innovation – the Solar Hybrid fridge and freezer in South Africa , at a virtual event . The new product range includes a fridge and a chest freezer , both of which utilise solar power to reduce electricity consumption from the grid .
Designed with Africa in mind , the product range is a game changer by lowering energy costs by up to 44 %, and by keeping food frozen for up to 49 hours with endurechill technology when there is no power .
Revolutionary technology reduces total cost of ownership by removing the requirement for separate battery and inverter purchases , with built-in smart electronics also installed in these new appliances . These features now make solar products a reliable option for everyday use . These new products assist in reducing rising electricity costs while keeping food fresh during loadshedding .
There are two major challenges that Africans face almost daily says Evren Albas , CEO of Defy Appliances : access to a reliable – and affordable source of
The A + energy rated chest freezer has a net capacity of 254 litres .
ALL PHOTOS : Defy Appliances South Africa
Endura-Chill technology has been incorporated and the freezer compartment can stay colder for up to 40 hours without any power source , thereby reducing food waste .
power ; and unnecessary food spoilage due to lack of proper storage facilities . “ We decided to do something about it and developed our Designed for Africa Solar Hybrid range that makes use of Africa ’ s most abundant resource – sunshine ,” says Albas .
South Africa has one of the highest local resources to produce solar energy in the world . Most areas in the country have an average of more than 2 500 hours of
sunshine per year . The annual 24-hour global solar radiation average is about 220 W / m ² for South Africa , compared to about 150 W / m ² for parts of the USA , and roughly 100 W / m ² for Europe and the United Kingdom .
Speaking at the launch event , Vere Shaba , Founder and CEO of Greendesign and passionate ambassador for energy-efficiency says that engineering has the potential to solve some of our greatest challenges as a continent , not only on a large scale , but on a smaller scale too - in our everyday decisions . “ Appliances like these show that climate and social innovation is possible . Not only possible , but important if we are going to address the challenges of energy equity , energy security , energy sustainability and climate change as Africans ,” Shaba commented .
Despite being a solar-powered fridge and freezer , the Solar Hybrid range actually operates a little differently from other solar appliances on the market – they run off a dual power source and also plug into the electricity grid . The Solar Hybrid products run directly off the solar panels during the day when the sun is out and revert to the electrical grid at night when it is dark .
“ Traditionally , solar refrigerators were high cost items and required expensive batteries or inverters ,” explains Albas . “ However , the Solar Hybrid range provides a built-in intelligent electronics solution aimed at providing this innovative technology to a wider market at an affordable price to help save on electricity costs . This while at the same time making it easier for more greenerlife solutions by increasing sustainable solar power usage .”
Defy marks the launch of their Solar Hybrid range as a social innovation , just one step in the long journey towards a more sustainable Africa where technology is more readily available to all consumers .
“ As a technology-driven brand , we prioritise investment in solutions that have a direct impact on the lives of our customers . Our brand purpose , which is ‘ pioneering our future together ’, is our compass to bring more innovations to positively transform social and economic challenges in the markets that we operate in South Africa and the rest of Africa ,” concludes Albas .
The Defy Solar Hybrid product range will be available in 78 stores as of the end of February and will further expand to more stores across the country as the product penetrates the market . The installation process is managed by Defy ’ s trusted partner who specialises in solar installations and has a countrywide footprint .
Designed with Africa in mind , the product range is a game changer by lowering energy costs by up to 44 %, and by keeping food frozen for up to 49 hours .
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8 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • March / April 2021