What is MyJouleBox?
MYJOULEBOX is a pan-African startup based in France, founded in 2016, that develops innovative tools to optimize solar energy systems and facilitate access to electrification in even the most remote regions. Known for its cutting-edge solutions, MyJouleBox has become a significant player in the solar market in Africa. Operating in countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, and Senegal, the startup has made a positive and sustainable impact on the daily lives of thousands, lighting up communities while promoting energy efficiency. A solar installation described by three words: durable, scalable and profitable! It offers an all-encompassing model that not only integrates technology but also addresses economic and social challenges through innovative approaches like Pay As You Go.
Main Benefits
The project brings together several key strengths that make it stand out in the solar market:
- Significant presence in multiple African countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, DRC, Togo, and Senegal.
- Integration of advanced smart meters with PAYGO options, ensuring every watt of energy is properly measured and managed.
- Reliable tracking and recording of consumption and production data in real-time thanks to internal memory and years of historical data.
- Turnkey software solutions covering mobile payments, client interfaces, call centers, technician contact systems, and storage tracking.
- Emphasis on research and innovation, ensuring that the technology evolves according to the dynamic needs of the African market.
Integrated Technology Solutions
At the heart of MyJouleBox lies a technology integrated into smart meters that offer a seamless Pay As You Go option while being connected to a broader ecosystem. The technology utilizes internal memory to store historical data over several years, ensuring that consumption and production data are tracked accurately and reliably in real time. The system is designed to communicate wirelessly, optimizing the monitoring and efficient management of energy. Products like the Nanojobox, which is compatible with Victron devices, and the Smartclipper, which measures energy non-intrusively using clamps for single-phase and three-phase systems, are integral to the solution. This robust integration ensures that every detail in energy management is delivered with precision… all in a reliable and secure manner.
Flexible and Profitable Systems
Embodying flexibility and profitability, MyJouleBox presents solutions that meet a wide range of energy needs. The meter for mini-grids is available for both three-phase and single-phase systems and communicates data wirelessly for optimal energy management. In addition, the Solar Home System, an intelligent solar charge controller and energy distribution system, is engineered specifically for off-grid electricity access. The startup works on a broad spectrum of power solutions—from 50 Wp to 30 kWp in both AC and DC—with the flexibility to evolve according to customer needs without the total replacement of existing systems. Financing options are also brought into play, with partner companies receiving support for credit sales over three years, ensuring that solar energy is not just accessible but also sustainably profitable.
Research, Innovation, and Expertise
The project thrives on constant innovation and technical expertise. A dedicated team underlines its commitment to excellence through a blend of research and practical development. Key figures include Panos P., who manages Hardware/Software responsibilities; Jean-Eudes K., the Project Manager leading initiatives on the ground; Kaniba K., the Full Stack Web Developer who ensures smooth software operations; Charlotte C., the CFO of MyJouleBox Group; and Paul B., the CEO steering the overall vision. This group of innovators leverages their collective experience to address real-world challenges, enhance product offerings, and extend the network’s capability. With a dynamic approach and a sincere drive to uplift communities, the project continuously evolves to meet the ever-changing demands of the market.
Economic and Social Innovations
Building on both hardware and software innovations, the project also brings comprehensive economic and social solutions to the table. It is not only about harnessing solar energy effectively but also about ensuring that these solutions are accessible, scalable, and fully aligned with partner companies’ operational capacities. Consistent with its commitment to social impact, MyJouleBox introduces a model of distribution that supports African PME (small and medium enterprises), assisting them with technical and financial acumen to successfully install and distribute solar systems on a credit basis. This approach fosters long-term relationships, promotes sustainable local growth, and ensures that advanced energy solutions are within everyone’s reach… turning challenges into opportunities.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Ensuring energy accessibility throughout Africa.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Driving forward innovative energy solutions and robust infrastructures.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Illuminating lives while fostering resilient communities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable practices in energy management.
Looking Ahead
The future for MyJouleBox appears exceptionally bright. The integrated solutions are not stagnant but are continuously evolving—fueling advancement through the MYJOULEBOX SUITE, a next-generation intelligent monitoring and management platform. This comprehensive solution simplifies pre- and post-installation operations, providing a mobile client interface for consumers along with dedicated application environments for various stakeholders. The suite is further enhanced by turnkey software solutions that include mobile payments, call center functionalities, technician contact systems, and analytics data, all of which are designed to reinforce operational efficiency and energy security. The ongoing commitment to research, development, and innovation highlights a clear pathway towards improved solar energy management and sustainable community growth across Africa. By bridging the gap between technical expertise and sustainable financing, the project stands as a beacon of modern energy solutions, tapping into a future where solar power is both profitable and socially beneficial. This synergy of technology, innovation, and social impact heralds a promising era for reliable, accessible, and clean energy in Africa…
