Attending Solar & Storage Live in London this year wasn’t just an opportunity to check out the latest in solar technology. It was a powerful reminder of one truth: No single company can scale solar alone.
Everywhere I turned at the event—whether on the exhibition floor, during breakout sessions, or over casual coffee chats—the same theme kept coming up: collaboration is the new currency in the solar space.
We’re long past the point where innovation alone is the bottleneck. We’ve got the panels. We’ve got the batteries. What we need now is alignment. And that’s where the power of collaboration becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity.
The Real Challenge Isn’t Technology—It’s Trust
One of the most insightful conversations I had at the event was with a veteran installer from the UK. He said, “The tech is ready, but most people still don’t trust the process, the providers, or the promises.”
That statement stuck with me because it perfectly captures the challenge we face in scaling solar: trust.
The reality is, we have the technology we need to transition to clean energy, but trust remains a significant barrier—especially in emerging markets like Nigeria. People are excited about solar, but many have been burned before. They’ve had poor experiences with installations, rigid payment plans, and systems that failed to live up to the promises.
In places where the demand for reliable power is high, trust is even more fragile. People want solar. They know it’s better than fuel-guzzling generators. But they hesitate because of past disappointments. This is the point where collaboration becomes mission-critical.
Why the Right Partnerships Matter
To truly scale solar, we need more than just good products. We need partners who understand people. Partners who are willing to go beyond the transaction and invest in long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Here’s what I mean:
- Installers who think long-term, not just about the next sale.
- Tech providers who prioritize quality and reliability over flashy upgrades.
- Financiers who create flexible, accessible payment models that make solar affordable.
At PowerNow, we’ve built our business around this exact approach. We don’t just plug into any system or partner with anyone who wants to make a quick money. We work with trusted installers and partners who align with our values: accessibility, affordability, and integrity. Because when it comes to something as life-changing as solar, cutting corners isn’t an option.
What Solar & Storage Live Reinforced
Being in a room with over 1,000 industry professionals reminded me that the most impactful companies in solar aren’t the ones shouting the loudest—they’re the ones who collaborate effectively with others. They co-create, they listen, and they build together.
As we continue to expand access to clean energy across Africa, I’m constantly looking for partners who believe what I believe: Solar should be simple, trusted, and truly accessible. And collaboration is how we get there. It’s not just about the tech; it’s about building trust and aligning efforts across the entire value chain—from suppliers to customers, installers to financiers.
The Bottom Line: Solar Success Is a Team Effort
In my experience, the most successful solar companies are the ones that prioritize collaboration over competition. We’re all working toward the same goal: sustainable, reliable energy for everyone. But to reach that goal, we have to work together.
At PowerNow PayLater, we’re committed to building a future where solar energy is accessible to all—not just those who can afford expensive systems. The right partnerships can bridge the gap between a customer’s desire for solar and the trust they need to make that leap.
Let’s Build a Brighter Future Together
As the solar industry evolves, the need for strong, trusted partnerships becomes more critical than ever. Collaboration is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for scaling solar and ensuring its long-term success.
If you’re in the solar industry—whether as an installer, a tech provider, or a financier—and you believe in the power of collaboration, let’s connect. The future of solar is brighter when we work together.
Because at the end of the day, we’re not just powering homes—we’re empowering lives.
