Easy Solar - Charting a Pathway for Growth

This project involved three high-priority areas for Easy Solar's business planning in the West African off-grid solar market: an expansion into Guinea, the development of new financial services products, and the design of an e-mobility pilot program.  The Capstone team traveled to the company’s headquarters in Sierra Leone to conduct in-depth customer, staff, and partnership interviews. To support Easy Solar's commercial launch in Guinea, the team analyzed data from its past entries into Sierra Leone and Liberia, mapped existing distribution and revenue collection challenges, and assessed Guinean market research and survey results. Key findings informed recommendations for product mix, pricing, distribution improvements, and KPIs for Guinea. 

The team also conducted research on the microlending sector in Africa, the socio economic and political landscape, and performed stakeholder analysis to assess the viability of introducing micro loans as part of Easy Solar’s product portfolio. These results informed final recommendations on the feasibility and design of new Easy Solar financial product offerings. To evaluate the viability of designing an asset-financing model for e-bikes in Sierra Leone, the team conducted primary research and surveys in Freetown. Data on consumer behavior, pricing, income, and demand-supply for 2-wheeler Electric Vehicles (EV) from existing bike-taxi services informed pricing strategies, grant funding applications, and a partnership policy agreement between Easy Solar and Mobile Power EV manufacturers. The results of this Capstone will help Easy Solar to continue developing smart, scalable, and sustainable product offerings to reach new potential markets and customers throughout West Africa.