SUN EXCHANGE

Sun Exchange is the world’s first peer-to-peer solar cell micro-leasing platform, enabling anyone, anywhere in the world to own solar cells and build wealth by leasing cells to power businesses and organisations in emerging markets. Sun Exchange leverages financial innovation and the power of the crowd to make the environmental, social and economic benefits of solar accessible and affordable for all.

Since launching in Cape Town in 2015, Sun Exchange has built a global community of 13,000+ members across 150+ countries. They facilitated financing for 20 solar projects throughout South Africa, offsetting over 1,280 tonnes in carbon emissions, and growing.

Sun Exchange has received extensive accolades for its unique approach to solar finance, including being named one of Fast Company Magazine’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Africa, and is listed among Africa’s “Energy Elites” by ESI Africa for two years running.

WHAT ROLE DOES SUN EXCHANGE PLAY IN CAPE TOWN, AND ABROAD?

Sun Exchange plays a key role in making solar accessible and affordable to schools, small-to-medium businesses, retirement homes and other community organisations in Cape Town and across South Africa. Sun Exchange enables these organisations to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions through a simple, efficient and innovative approach to solar finance.

In terms of their role abroad, Sun Exchange has a growing community of 13,000+ members from 150+ countries that act as the engine for their crowd-sourced approach to solar finance. Through the Sun Exchange online platform, they enable individuals across the globe to play a direct role, and benefit from, the solar transition here in South Africa, and soon, other sunny emerging markets.

WHY IS CAPE TOWN THE BEST BASE FOR SUN EXCHANGE?

When the idea for Sun Exchange started to take shape, founder and CEO Abraham Cambridge, quickly realised that Cape Town was the perfect location to start the company. The sunny climate was one key factor, as well as a clear need for an innovative finance solution that could help local organisations harness sunshine by making solar more accessible and affordable. Additionally, the city has a business and regulatory landscape that is supportive of and promotes innovation and sustainability, making it an ideal home for a fast-growing company like Sun Exchange.

HOW HAS SUN EXCHANGE SHAPED THE ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE IN CAPE TOWN?

Organisations that go solar through Sun Exchange become models of sustainability for their communities in Cape Town and beyond. For example, with the support of the Western Cape Education Department, they have brought solar power to nine schools in the Cape Town area to date. Those solar installations have served as educational opportunities on renewable energy and climate leadership for students.

Additionally, Sun Exchange plays a role as a leader driving the local technology and innovation ecosystem. The recognition the company has received, such as being named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, helps to solidify Cape Town’s position as a global hub for technology leadership.

WHAT’S NEXT?

With a proven business model, solid momentum and a significant addressable market to tap into, Sun Exchange is perfectly positioned for rapid expansion and future growth. In the next three years, they aim to achieve 37.3 megawatts (MW) of cumulative installed solar energy generation capacity generating 38.9 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity per month (an increase from 1.5MW / <1GWh per month currently).

For more information, please contact Sun Exchange at hello@thesunexchange.com.