Sky Energy CEO Schizzo Thompson on powering Africa

Sky Energy, the leading solar power installer in Malawi, is on a mission to power Africa with renewable energy solutions. The company designs, supplies, and installs solar systems for residential, commercial, and agricultural areas, revolutionizing the energy sector in the region. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa reporter Kopano Gumbi, Sky Energy CEO Schizzo Thompson shared insights into the company's journey and its vision for the future. Thompson revealed that while Sky Energy does not manufacture solar panels in Malawi, the company partners with suppliers to source high-quality panels for installation. The idea to start the business stemmed from Thompson's experience working in the energy sector in Europe and seeing the energy crisis plaguing Malawi in 2015. Recognizing the opportunity to make a difference, Thompson founded Sky Energy and quickly established the company as a leader in the technology sector. Key Points: 1. Impactful Installation: Sky Energy has already installed solar panels in over 1,000 houses in Malawi, as well as in industries and domestic settings. By harnessing solar energy, the company is providing sustainable power solutions to address the country's energy deficit. 2. Grid Integration: While Malawi currently generates less than 300 megawatts of power, representing only 10% of the population with access to electricity, Sky Energy aims to feed excess energy into the national grid. This initiative could significantly increase access to electricity for Malawians. 3. Expansion Plans: Thompson emphasized Sky Energy's goal to expand its operations beyond Malawi and penetrate other African markets. The company envisions bringing its innovative solar solutions to more countries across the continent to combat the prevalent energy challenges. Thompson discussed the affordability of Sky Energy's renewable energy solutions, attributing cost-effectiveness to duty-free solar panels in Malawi. By partnering with companies like Total to solarize service stations and implement sustainable energy solutions, Sky Energy is making a significant impact in the region. In the face of challenges such as regulatory hurdles and limited awareness of solar technologies, Thompson remains determined to drive change. He highlighted the importance of educating consumers and policymakers on the benefits of solar energy and overcoming skepticism through successful projects such as the solar-powered service stations. Key Theme: The key theme of the interview centered on Sky Energy's commitment to powering Africa with renewable energy solutions. Through innovative solar installations and strategic partnerships, the company is reshaping the energy landscape in Malawi and beyond. Quote: Thompson summarized the vision for Sky Energy's future, stating, 'What I'm trying to do is I want to penetrate Africa because I know that it's not only Malawi that is facing an energy crisis, it's Africa in general. So my main target is to penetrate Africa.' As Sky Energy continues to lead the renewable revolution in Africa, the company's mission to provide clean and sustainable energy solutions holds the promise of a brighter, greener future for the continent.