Bank deal helps rural people switch on with solar

SOLA PayGo Limited has partnered with Bank South Pacific to allow people to buy solar power equipment through mobile banking.
They include lights, panels, torches and radio.
The PNG-registered company specialises in pay-as-you-go solar solutions.
The solar power top-ups will be available under BSP’s Mobile Banking (*131#) top-up service.
The solar kits will be made available to customers in Central, the Highlands regions, specifically Goroka, Mt Hagen, Kainantu, Wabag and Gusap, and Wau and Bulolo in Morobe.
“The solar kits will then be paid for over a period of months by purchasing a token via mobile banking,” said company operations manager Margery Tekwie.
“The token code is input to the SPG meter to activate for use. A minimum payment of K12 provides seven days of solar power.
“Once the final payment is made, the SPG meter opens the system so no further payments are required for the lifetime of the product.
“The product also comes with a two-year warranty.
“We’re pleased to be able to share this project with BSP, through its mobile banking services which has an extensive customer reach in PNG.”
BSP general manager digital Nuni Kulu said the partnership provided the benefit of convenience “so that customers can quite easily manage their payments without having to visit a branch or retailer”.