Check out the BUFFALO website.
BUFFALO is a portable business for selling electricity. Capable of continuously generating 80 watts, a BUFFALO can charge up to 16 mobile phones simultaneously or power a small TV.
These applications amongst others generate a revenue stream for developing world entrepreneurs selling electricity and services to the 1.6 billion people who live without grid electricity.
BUFFALO is a human powered generator unit that can produce up to 80W over a sustained period of time or output of up to 150W for short periods. To generate this much power all of the energy generated by the rider must go into producing electricity. This means BUFFALO does not generate electricity while the bike is being ridden which may seem counter intuitive. However, the relatively high power output of BUFFALO in comparison to other off grid charging solutions such as solar means the unit can be used for multiple income generating schemes such as running a mobile hair salon or powering a mobile internet café.
About 1.6 billion people worldwide do not have access to grid electricity. Associated problems are respiratory conditions caused by using kerosene-burning lamps, a negative impact on children’s education due to lack of light and costs associated with charging or buying batteries. While mobile phone communication has been a major contributor to economic growth in developing countries in recent years, its spread has been hindered by limited charging options for the 500 million off-grid mobile phone users who do have network access.
BUFFALO “generates” revenue for entrepreneurs serving off grid communities. BUFFALO owners charge mobile phones or batteries, or they provide power for other uses. Because the BUFFALO is portable it can reach even the most remote communities.
BUFFALO is designed be manufactured in the markets where it is used, such as Africa and India. The costs of the key components (generator, battery and charge controller) are reduced though buying in bulk. Other components are readily available and can be sourced locally.
Initial investment of buying the BUFFLO is financed through ongoing revenues generated by selling services such as charging mobile phones. BUFFALO can charge up to 16 mobile phones simultaneously. In Kenya the going rate is approximately $0.25 for charging a phone. At this rate, the owner could generate $4 in 2 hrs. Other potential revenue streams are powering a small TV or charging car batteries.
In one scenario, micro-finance institutions could fund entrepreneurs who invest in a BUFFALO. In other scenarios, mobile phone companies could lease the BUFFALO to cover the cost of the unit.