Tech

SA’s Plentify launches home energy management solution SolarBot

Published

2 hours ago

September 29, 2024

South Africa’s home energy management startup, Plentify, has announced entering into a strategic partnership with Herholdts, one of the country’s largest distributors of solar and electrical solutions, to launch a first-of-its-kind intelligent controller for home solar and battery systems known as SolarBot.

Jon Kornik, the CEO of Plentify who made the announcement, said the startup’s suite of products connects to home appliances, helping them draw energy at optimal times.

“The rapidly declining costs of solar panels and batteries have gotten us a lot of the way there. But that is not enough, as many solar owners are finding out, after interrogating their solar performance with more scrutiny with load shedding receding. It really matters how effectively you use your solar system,” he said.

He stated that the SolarBot will ensure that appliances deliver desired services, generate major savings on energy bills through efficiency gains, and maximise energy use during clean energy periods while minimising it during constrained times.

‘You could have 50 panels on your roof in the middle of a summer’s day, but if that energy has nowhere to go, if your battery is full and home demand low with no grid exports, it will not produce,” said Kornik.

“SolarBot will dramatically improve the performance of solar systems and has come at the perfect time for both solar installers who want to reinvigorate post-load shedding sales, and existing solar owners who want to get the most from their existing systems.

“It analyses weather patterns, load shedding schedules and customer demand to make smarter decisions on when to charge and discharge the battery to maximise savings, while still giving homeowners backup power when they need it,” he added.

Related Topics:Featured Plentify SolarBot South Africa

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Tech

Moroccan recruitment startup Kwiks raises $827k funding to develop AI-driven solutions

Published

1 day ago

September 28, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Moroccan recruitment startup, Kwiks, has announced raising MAD8 million ($827,000) in funding from Azur Innovation Management (AIM) to help it accelerate the development of its AI-driven solutions.

Co-founder and CEO of Kwiks, Amine Khayatei Houssaini, who made the announcement, said the new funds would enable the platform to continue innovating and providing cutting-edge solutions to its clients.

“This investment will allow us to continue innovating and providing cutting-edge solutions to our clients, while strengthening our position in the local and international markets,” Houssaini said.

He added that the funds would be used to enhance the recruitment platform by accelerating the development of AI-driven solutions, as well as developing new features, such as R2DS solutions that generate automated candidate reports.

Founded in 2013 by Houssaini and Karim Kaoukabi, (more…)

Tech

Starlink launches high-speed Internet services in Burundi

Published

2 days ago

September 27, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Elon Musk’s Starlink has announced launching its high-speed internet services in Burundi after the president granted the company an official licence to operate within the country.

The licence was awarded to the satellite-based internet provider under the oversight of the Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ARCT) of Burundi, with its Director-General responsible for implementing the decree.

A statement by the ARCT said the development marked a significant step toward improving internet connectivity, following the issuance of an operating licence in May 2024, granted through a presidential decree.

“This development marks a significant step forward in improving internet access for the people of Burundi,” the ARCT said.

Burundi, one of the world’s poorest countries, currently has one of the lowest rates of internet usage globally, largely due to high costs and limited infrastructure.

With the launch of the high-speed internet services, Burundi becomes the latest of 14 African nations to adopt Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, aiming to enhance satellite internet services across the country. The company is set to expand its operations to several additional countries by the end of 2024.

Starlink is now available in 15 African nations, following its recent launch in Zimbabwe. Other African countries that have gained access to Starlink include Kenya, Nigeria, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Zambia.