PAYGO (pay-as-you-go) solar is a way to buy a solar home system in small instalments. The customer takes the system home after a deposit, then makes regular payments. Each payment produces a code that unlocks the system for the time paid. After the final payment, the system unlocks for good and the customer owns it.
How PAYGO solar works
- The customer pays a deposit and takes the solar home system home.
- They pay instalments, often by mobile money, at a pace that suits their income.
- Each payment generates a code linked to that one device.
- The customer types the code on the device’s keypad, and the system switches on for the days paid.
- When the paid time runs out, the system switches off until the next payment.
- After the last instalment, a final code unlocks the system permanently.
What is a PAYGO code?
A PAYGO code, or token, is a short number generated by the PAYGO platform for one specific device. The device checks the code itself, so it accepts only codes made for it, and each code only once. A code can add days of use or unlock the device permanently.
Do PAYGO solar systems need mobile signal?
Keypad systems do not. The device has no SIM card. The customer receives the code on any phone, often by SMS, or from a sales agent, and types it in. Some PAYGO systems use a built-in mobile connection instead. That allows remote monitoring, but adds cost and needs network coverage.
PAYGO compared with paying upfront
| PAYGO | Paying upfront | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost at the start | Deposit only | Full price |
| Total cost | Usually higher, because it includes financing | Lower |
| Ownership | After the last instalment | Immediately |
| Suits | Households with a regular but small income | Buyers with savings |
| For the seller | Needs a PAYGO platform and payment collection | A simple cash sale |
What is OpenPAYGO Token?
OpenPAYGO Token is an open-source, free-to-use token system for PAYGO devices, developed by PaygOps (Solaris Offgrid) with the EnAccess Foundation. Because the standard is open, devices and PAYGO software from different companies can work together. The MOSON PAYGO platform is built on OpenPAYGO Token.
What a distributor needs to run PAYGO
- PAYGO-enabled devices, such as the H Series solar home system with its built-in keypad
- A PAYGO platform to record payments and generate codes
- A way to collect payments, usually mobile money
- Agents or a call centre to support customers
MOSON supplies both the devices and the platform. Talk to us about running PAYGO in your market.