The Strauss Energy Business Model: Affordable Technology Innovation to Empower Kenya and Light Up the World

Abstract

Strauss Energy is a social enterprise manufacturing solar energy tiles in Kenya. Tony Nyagah founded the company in 2008, when after coming back from a tiring workday, he experienced a blackout in his house. After the product and business model had been developed, he successfully started operations in 2014, selling his main product: Built Integrate Photovoltaic (BIPV) tiles, which are solar panels integrated into building materials. This product can power households with three times the consumption required because its tiles are supported with a compressed air storage system to provide power even at night. Customers who do not need all the power generated by the tiles can sell the extra energy to the national grid and in this way recover the investment cost of the roofing tiles. The cost of Tony’s BIPV tiles is paid in monthly installments over five to seven years, allowing customers who cannot pay the full price at once to afford the product. With this innovative idea, Tony Nyagah showed how technologies with a profitable business model and affordable product can play an important role in addressing societal needs. This integrated solution has the potential to generate great impact on the development of the country and the continent, since 70% of the African population lack electricity and are forced to use unhealthy and polluting fuels to light their homes.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

You are not authorized to view Teaching Notes. Please contact your librarian for instructor access or sign in to your existing instructor profile.
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles