Kenyan pay-as-you-go (PAYG) energy provider M-KOPA Solar has expanded its product range by rolling out solar-powered fridges across all its 65 retail outlets.

M-KOPA's PAYG solar platform, through which users pay for solar products over time via mobile money, powers over 800,000 homes and businesses in Kenya, and also offers lights, chargers, radios, and TVs.

It has now added to that range by rolling out PAYG solar-powered fridges.

The 100L fridge was developed specifically for Africa in partnership with Embraco Nidec, a global cooling brand and part of Nidec Global Appliance.

M-KOPA said fridges can save time and money for millions of Kenyan households who have lacked access to reliable power, with solar fridges making cold storage of perishables widely available and affordable in off-grid homes.

A new report released by M-KOPA and CDC shows that PAYG solar fridges can save over KES480 and two hours in wasted time every week, as there are fewer trips to the market, less money spent on cooking fuel, and food is preserved for longer.

Jesse Moore, chief executive officer and co-founder of M-KOPA, said, "We are thrilled about the positive impact that solar-powered fridges can have on customers' lives, particularly women. A fridge saves precious money and time at home, and helps small entrepreneurs grow their businesses. After months of hard work by our team and our partners Embraco Nidec, it is so rewarding to see this award-winning product begin to upgrade lives across East Africa."

The fridges are available as part of the company's M-KOPA MK6500 system, with daily payments of only KES165. They feature Embraco's innovative DC compressor, which provides lower starting power and greater energy efficiency, compared to a traditional model. It was developed with support from Shell Foundation in partnership with UKAID and USAID.

"This is a prime example of companies partnering to develop life-changing solutions. Together we are reinventing access to refrigeration in off-grid and rural areas. This is creating real value for millions of people as we upgrade lives and create new opportunities," said Gabriel Saud, Nidec Global Appliance's R&D Senior Manager.