Eight19 launches Azuri to take over Indigo pay-as-you-go solar

Solar cell developer Eight19 announced on Tuesday it has launched Azuri Technologies, a new company that will be in charge of pushing Indigo, its unique ‘pay-as-you-go’ solar energy solution into emerging markets. This another example of a trend of foreign investments into Africa with a particular focus on developing the renewable energies industry across the continent. The company says it launched Azuri Technologies so Eight19 could continue to focus on its core business of developing printed plastic solar technology; while the new brand will be focused on expanding Indigo’s innovative off-the-grid solar energy solution in emerging markets. Eight19 - launched in 2010 - has spent the last year working on the Indigo product line of pay-as-you-go solar products. These products have been developed for emerging markets where people are burning fossil fuels for basic needs, such as lighting. The Indigo product, which combines solar and mobile phone technology, helps users to benefit from clean renewable energy while also reducing their energy spending by as much as half. The product has been deployed in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, South Sudan, Uganda and South Africa. Eight19 is also currently working on an organic solar cell range of products that are being tested in Africa. In a statement, the CEO said “This is tremendous news for both Eight19 and Azuri, their respective customers, suppliers and shareholders. The separation of the businesses reflects the maturing of the Indigo product range, allowing Azuri to develop Indigo in the best possible way to help address the needs of off-grid customers in emerging markets while allowing Eight19 to focus on its core activity of developing printed plastic solar technology. We are very excited about the future for organic electronics with Eight19 and for the continued success of Indigo with Azuri.”