FAQ: MicroPower Manager (MPM)

What is MicroPower Manager (MPM) and what does it do?

MPM is an Open Source software solution designed to help mini-grid and Solar Home System (SHS) companies manage their operations efficiently. It provides features like customer management, asset performance monitoring, ticketing system, two-way SMS integration, several mobile money, meter and SHS brand integrations, data reporting and more.

Why was MPM created?

MPM was created to address the challenge faced by small and medium-sized DRE companies in Africa who lack access to affordable and efficient software solutions for managing their operations. Other options are either too expensive or require extensive IT expertise.

How does MPM benefit mini-grid operators and solar home system (SHS) companies?

MPM streamlines operations by digitalizing processes like customer management, asset monitoring, and financial transactions. It reduces operational costs, enhances customer service through its ticketing system, and supports deferred payment schemes for SHS sales, thereby fostering growth and scalability for DRE companies.

Is MPM suitable for small to medium-sized off-grid companies?

Yes, MPM is particularly beneficial for domestic SMEs in the off-grid energy sector. It offers a cost-effective alternative to developing bespoke software or using commercially available solutions, empowering smaller companies to achieve sustainable operations and attract investment.

What are some of the upcoming features for MPM?

The EnAccess team and other contributors are constantly on improving the MPM and adding new features based on user feedback. Some upcoming features include:

 

  • Integration with additional SHS manufacturers and brands

  • Upgraded user interface for SHS-specific dashboards

  • Improved notification systems for customer payments

  • Integration with more mobile money providers

  • Integration with the D-REC Platform

  • Integration with the Prospect Platform

  • Improved user documentation

  • Cloud hosting version available with EnAccess (Q4 2024)

  • Migrate the web frontend from Vue2 to Vue3 to be more future proof. For more information see the Github Issue with technical details.

Do I need inhouse IT and developer capacities to use the MPM and which know-how is required?

If you choose to use the cloud hosted version provided by EnAccess (starting in Q4 2024) you can get started easily with just a computer and internet connection.

 

If you choose to deploy and host the MPM software yourself (e.g. if you require data sovereignty or wish to customize MPM to your needs) you will need some basic DevOps capabilities. For contributions and feature development, either for your own customizations or as contributions to the main Open Source project, we recommend an experience in full stack development. The techstack consists of a Laravel backend, a VueJS frontend and MariaDB database.

How do I get started with using the MPM and where can I get help/support?

Get started:

 

 

Get help and support:

 

Can I build a Software-as-a-Service model using the MPM and earn money with it?

Yes, MPM is MIT-licensed, which is the most permissive Open Source Licence for Software. This means you can decide to provide an SaaS around the MPM, you can provide customization services at cost, you can develop additional features (Open or Closed Source) at cost, etc. We are highly in favor of any creative (business) ideas around the MPM.

 

Whatever you plan to do, just bear in mind anybody else can do it as well.

 

That said we do of course highly appreciate all contributions to the Open Source Code with business motivation or of belief in the community approach.

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