Okra Mesh‑Grid
Okra

Solution Overview & Benefits
Okra’s mesh-grid combines the flexibility of solar home systems (SHS) with the power delivery of mini‑grids to serve remote, sparsely populated villages. Each household installs solar panels, batteries, and the Okra Pod—a smart controller that manages power sharing across homes. This low-voltage (50 V DC) network ensures:
- Affordable electrification: up to 90% lower distribution costs compared to mini‑grids
- Plug-and-play scalability: households can join or expand at any time
- Reliable AC power (up to 3.6 kW per home): supports lighting, vaccines, refrigeration, cooking appliances, pumps, telecoms
- Local upkeep & safety: low-voltage design allows community-level maintenance; no permits, poles, or licensed technicians needed
- Remote monitoring via IoT: real-time health and usage data enables proactive maintenance and performance optimization
How It Works (Key Features)
- Rooftop solar + battery at each home
- Okra Pod: IoT-enabled MPPT controller distributing power intelligently
- Low-voltage (50 V DC) mesh network connecting homes
- AC output via inverter for household appliances
- Peer‑to‑peer power sharing, including night‑time battery access
- Modular hub-and-spoke design enables integration with anchor loads or mini‑grids
History & Development
Founded in 2016, Okra has deployed mesh‑grids across Haiti, Cambodia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and more. Projects have reached over 1,500 households, with ambitious scaling goals (2 million people by 2025, 100,000 Nigerian homes under DARES). Their solution has won recognition for rapid, low-cost deployment and high uptime (>98%)
Availability
- Available: Nigeria, Haiti, Cambodia, Philippines, with expansions planned in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia
- Pricing: Project-based, typically via partnerships with utilities or NGOs
Specifications
- Voltage: 50 V DC distribution
- Pod output: ~1.2 kW per household (stackable to ~4.8 kW)
- AC output: up to 3.6 kW/home
- Distribution wires: thin, low-cost cables—~10x lighter than mini-grid cabling
- IoT Integration: Pods monitor and share usage via cloud; allows remote notifications, predictive maintenance
Additional Information
- Business model: Offered via energy service companies (RESCOs), no license needed for <100 kW
- Productivity impact: Households often see income growth (~30% in 6 months via appliances)
- Support model: Local providers are trained; mobile billing and support via app
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