By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa’s appliance manufacturer Defy Appliances has launched its Solar Off-Grid fridge and freezer range to address local energy challenges and provide reliable ‘always-on’ refrigeration to ensure food preservation and consequently, reduce food waste.
Being the first of its kind in the market, the company says the Defy Solar Off-Grid represents a significant step forward in sustainable technology by offering a practical solution for households and businesses across the country.
By leveraging solar energy, this range operates independently of the electrical grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimising carbon emissions.
Defy’s Solar Off-Grid range functions completely off-grid with battery and solar integration. This integration ensures the energy supply is uninterrupted by switching between battery power at night and solar power during the day to ensure always-on freshness.
Speaking at the launch, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel said that this was a “milestone event” for Defy and for the local consumer goods sector, noting that the range meets a number of national objectives.
This includes the localisation of production of key consumer goods that assist in building the industrial ecosystem, with the company having two large operations in South Africa.
Secondly, the company has assisted with job creation by employing about 2 500 workers across South Africa.
Lastly, Defy’s range also contributes to climate change goals.
Mustafa Soylu, CEO of Defy, explains “finding an alternative or a supplement to the national power grid is not only essential to working towards a solution to South Africa’s energy crisis, but is also a vital part of contributing to more sustainable living and a better future. For the immediate future at least, solar power remains the most viable option.”
According to Soylu, the next challenge is to make cutting-edge technology affordable and available to all. “We believe our Solar Off-Grid fridges and freezers are real game-changers for South Africa and the continent at large, as they solve both the issue of accessibility to power, as well as the issue of clean energy. As a household name in South Africa, this objective is something we are deeply invested in. The households and businesses that we will be reaching is only the first step in demonstrating that solar is the more future-fit solution to better energy on the African continent.”
The rollout of the appliances is expected soon following today’s launch.