Power-saving technology provider Ellies Renewable Energy, a division of public diversified electronics manufacturer Ellies Group, launched the Ellies Green Initiative at The Pyramid conference venue, in Village Deep, Johannesburg, last month.

Business coach Andrew Smith, who delivered the keynote address, stressed that renewable energy was a key area of investment, especially considering the current electricity crisis facing the country.

The Ellies Green Initiative offers investors distribution rights to the company’s Green Energy merchandise – at a cost of R250 000 – which includes Ellie’s energy-saving and light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs, transistors and energy efficient showerheads, as well as stock in the company to the value of R130 000.

The investment would also secure a full marketing package, including Ellies’ own energy efficiency mobile application (app), which enables distributors to conduct an energy audit to illustrate potential clients’ possible savings and investment returns on energy if they invested in Ellies’ energy efficient technology.

At the event, Ellies also revealed that it would include an advertising trailer with a built-in photovoltaic (PV) solar panel, a power inverter and a 210 V lithium-ion battery, in addition to the investment package. Smith said the trailer would serve as an advertising board, a marketing tool and a personal backup power source for potential investors.

The trailer comes with a full display module designed to illustrate the performance of Ellies Green products, including LEDs and energy-saving induction hotplates.

Ellies noted that it would take an average of three hours in the sun to charge the battery of the PV panel, which could supply a household for up to 24 hours, with adequate power supply during load-shedding.

Meanwhile, Ellies Holdings chairperson Elliot Salkow noted that the company entered the energy-saving market several years ago, adding that the launch of the trailer would enable Ellies’ small and medium-size enterprise (SME) installers to develop their businesses in the green space and provide them with the tools for a more consultative process between their businesses and clients.

He added that, with South Africans continuing to investigate energy efficient solutions amid an ongoing electricity crisis, Ellies was proud to showcase options that would allow them to create greener homes and establish a healthier budget.

He noted that the average consumer’s electricity account had increased by as much as 180% over the past six years.

Meanwhile, Salkow boasted that the Ellies Green Building, in Village Deep, showcased energy efficiency at work. With seventy-two 210 W solar panels and a wind generator, the building operates with electricity that is 75% off-grid.

He further noted that every computer, light bulb and plug socket in the green building was powered by energy harnessed from the sun and wind.

Any investors prepared to pay the R220 000 (excluding VAT) for the initiative will also have to pay a nonrefundable deposit of R22 000.

Ellies’ share prices have lost nearly 90% of its value over the past two years.