A new solar tracker that is completely self-supporting in generating and storing energy to be tested in Namibia.

The Dutch minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher visited solar company Ecoplant to discuss the export potential and contribution of a solar tracking device to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030.

On the occasion of Schreinemacher’s visit, Ecoplant signed a distribution agreement with Taatisolar in Namibia to introduce this solar tracking device in the southern part of Africa, where it is destined to replace diesel-generator sets and provide power to the off-grid areas for income-generating business and private households.

Moira Alberts, managing director of Taatisolar, said: “The stand-alone solar device of Ecoplant promises to be an efficient, secure and reliable source of power for our off-grid communities. In Namibia, where about a million people don’t have access to electricity. We see great potential to promote it for productive use of energy and rural health clinics and schools alike in Namibia and our neighbouring countries”.

Schreinemacher’s attention was caught by the solar tracing device as it won second place in the Dutch innovation awards 2021. It shows great potential to improve the domestic generation of renewable energy as an alternative to conventional roof-based solar panels in Europe and beyond. In the off-grid markets of emerging economies, it is well-positioned to replace diesel-generator sets, reducing CO2 emissions and providing a more secure source of electrical power.

A stand-alone solar tracking device. Image credit: Ecoplant

The Ecoplant solar tracker comes in different sizes and can be placed remotely as it is completely self-supporting in generating and storing energy. At the same time, it can be used as a platform for flood safety lights, surveillance cameras and communication equipment. Most of the components are produced in the Netherlands and are well tested before being shipped for local assembly.

Ecoplant and Taatisolar agreed to apply for a grant for a solar demonstration project in Namibia under the Dutch DHI programme of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency RVO, part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. The idea is to place 10 Ecoplant solar devices at different locations to demonstrate their functioning for various applications.

Hans Veenemans, the inventor and promoter of the system, said: “I firmly believe the Ecoplant product range can change the domestic off-grid power landscape. Millions of people in emerging economies don’t have access to electrical power or are faced with an unreliable supply of power. At the same time, it will help in the energy transition, battle climate change and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.”