# Product

Book on product development. Metering, Microgrid OS, Batteries, Invertors, Solar panels

# Capability Evaluation Criteria

<table border="1" id="bkmrk-attribute%C2%A0-cost-inte" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 106.2px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 46.6px;"><td style="height: 46.6px;">**Attribute**   
</td><td style="height: 46.6px;">**Cost**</td><td style="height: 46.6px;">**Interoperability**   
</td><td style="height: 46.6px;">**Long term relationship**</td><td style="height: 46.6px;">**Deployment readiness**</td><td style="height: 46.6px;">**Build Quality**</td></tr><tr style="height: 29.8px;"><td style="height: 29.8px;">1</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">over market price</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">proprietary standards, risk of vendor lock-in</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">cannot reliably communicate, needs aggressive follow up and management   
</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">timeline unclear or unknown   
</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">Questionable may need replacement anytime or unknown durability   
</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>close to or exactly at market price</td><td>use some open and proprietary standards   
</td><td>can communicate reliably but needs incentives to do so   
</td><td>timeline is known but is volatile or longer than what is needed   
</td><td>Acceptable could last 2 to 3 years   
</td></tr><tr style="height: 29.8px;"><td style="height: 29.8px;">5</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">under market price</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">fully using open standards</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">communicates reliably and incentives are already aligned   
</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">timeline is known and predictable or within acceptable duration</td><td style="height: 29.8px;">Durable can last 3 years or more   
</td></tr></tbody></table>

# Microgrid OS

Monitoring and Steering assets on the microgrid

# Microgrid OS Evaluation

<table border="1" id="bkmrk-attribute-cost-%28mone" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 188.18px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 19.0703%;"></col><col style="width: 13.5876%;"></col><col style="width: 17.0441%;"></col><col style="width: 19.0703%;"></col><col style="width: 18.236%;"></col><col style="width: 13.23%;"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 46.5938px;"><td style="height: 46.5938px;">OS</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Cost (money)</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Interoperability</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">long term relationship</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Deployment Readiness</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Quality   
</td></tr><tr style="height: 46.5938px;"><td style="height: 46.5938px;">[NewSunRoad Stellar](https://newsunroad.com/stellar-microgrid-os/)</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">  
</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">  
</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">  
</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">  
</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">  
</td></tr><tr style="height: 29.7969px;"><td style="height: 29.7969px;">[Remot by Innovex](https://innovex.org/remot/)</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td></tr><tr style="height: 29.7969px;"><td style="height: 29.7969px;">[Inhemeter](https://www.inhemeter.com/en/Default.aspx)   
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td></tr><tr style="height: 35.3984px;"><td style="height: 35.3984px;">[GxF by LF Energy](https://www.inhemeter.com/en/Default.aspx "GxF Platform Evaluation")</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">  
</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">  
</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">  
</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">  
</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">  
</td></tr><tr><td>[MicroPower Manager](https://micropowermanager.io/get-started.html)</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td></tr><tr><td>[Hyphae by LF Energy](https://lfenergy.org/projects/hyphae/)</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td></tr><tr><td>[Prospect](https://gitlab.com/prospect-energy/prospect-server/-/wikis/User-Wiki/EN/New-User-Guide)</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td><td>  
</td></tr></tbody></table>

### New Sun Road Stellar 

Stellar seems to have all the capabilities we want from their website but Michael (CTO) confirms that he is not sure that the meters are are using are supported 100%. They can likely monitor usage data but may not be able to remote on/off. It is proprietary.

### Remot by Innovex

The Innovex team has not been responsive to our email requests for more information about this. Also, their website seems to be frequently down.

### Inhemeter

We were not about to get a demo or even an order for meters out of this company. Their meters are known to be good quality but I think they are not interested in working with us because we are a small new company.

### GxF by LF energy 

This project is actually a macrogrid OS that currently still being open sourced. A number of key components like the GUI for smart metering is not yet open sourced. It is worth watching because it has potential to run for a microgrid because it has smart metering and public lighting capabilities.

### MicroPowerManager 

This is one looks very promising. Open source and field tested. I think it's ripe for us to take to production and prove it out. It also has an associated battery management capability which makes this community seem like a good fit for NFE.

### Hyphae by LF Energy

I think Hyphae has a bold vision for an autonomous microgrid. It currently only has peer to peer battery power interchange capabilities and no metering. Also not get field tested but has some simulation capabilities.

# GxF Platform Evaluation

### Overview

GxF is an opensource platform (set of capabilities; metering, public lighting) for distribution of power on a grid. It is currently being used by and was donated to the open source community by a Dutch utility company called Alliander.

### Links

Here's some useful links from my discovery work on GxF

- [Understanding it's capabilities](https://chatgpt.com/share/68265830-00b0-800c-9289-d26d1f3a5a4d)
- [Official docs](https://lfenergy.org/projects/gxf/)
- [Video Overview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqEPa9Lpq58&list=PLKyFf1J9XkpvpkbiptMX9XDmDnjc5R71d)
- [GxF on M1 Mac](https://chatgpt.com/share/68265959-1b18-800c-8940-c35290087a59)
- [Microgrid Management Software ](https://chatgpt.com/share/676e8ad0-d7e8-800c-b590-dde15a0eba7d)

### Next Steps   


Continue deployment to digital ocean VM

- Start by reviewing all [these packages](https://github.com/orgs/OSGP/packages?repo_name=open-smart-grid-platform) and understanding which ones you want to deploy or explore whether it makes more sense to rebuild the latest release and deploy packages from that.
- To run the GXF (Grid eXchange Fabric) platform, you generally need only a subset of the packages published in the OSGP GitHub organization—specifically, those that are direct dependencies for the platform's core services and adapters.
- GXF is a modular system, and the required packages depend on your deployment goals. Commonly, the following package types are used:
- Core Platform Packages – These include the main server components, messaging infrastructure, shared libraries, and authentication modules. 
    - Protocol Adapters – Depending on your use case, you’ll need the adapters that communicate with your field devices (e.g., OSLP, DLMS, IEC61850).
    - Domain and WS Adapters – These provide domain-specific logic and web service endpoints (e.g., smart metering, microgrids, public lighting).
    - Shared Utilities – Supporting packages shared between multiple modules.

 Steps to Determine Required Packages

- Review the GXF Deployment Documentation: The official \[GXF deployment guide\](https://github.com/OSGP/open-smart-grid-platformdocumentation) lists the core components and adapters you need to deploy for a standard platform.
- Match Packages to Components: Identify which packages correspond to those components (e.g., "osgp-adapter-domain-smart-metering", "osgp-adapter-ws-publiclighting", etc.).

Focus on Smart metering Use Case: One of the maintainers tells t<span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">he application’s current design allows you to deploy only the smart metering components, along with some core GxF components. You’ll need the following components for smart metering:</span>

- <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">core GxF components:</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-adapter-domain-admin</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-adapter-domain-core</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-adapter-ws-admin</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-adapter-ws-core</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-core</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-logging</span>
- <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">Smart metering specific components</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-adapter-domain-smartmetering</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-adapter-ws-smartmetering</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-protocol-adapter-dlms</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-throttling-service</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-secret-management</span>
- <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">Smart metering simulator</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">osgp-simulator-dlms-triggered</span>
    - <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">dlms-device-simulator-starter</span>

<span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">These components do not contain any user interface but provide a SOAP interface for communication with the GxF platform. The user interface is currently not part of the open-source implementation.</span>

- <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">We could set up RESTful APIs and build a GUI we can use and contribute back to the community or we can also try to build a UI from the SOAP API available. Open to either, I don't know how much we can do with API only if we don't have a GUI.   
    </span>

### <span lang="en-us" style="max-width: 100%;" xml:lang="en-us">Historical Context   
</span>

From Sander (Maintainer). I recommend you join the [project mailing list](https://lists.lfenergy.org/g/gxf), introduce yourself (I already did) and use it to ask questions along the way.. I have found it very useful and Sander is very helpful in responding there.

> We are currently in the process of creating an open-source containerized solution for deploying and testing GxF. With this solution it will be possible to run GxF locally in k3d - a lightweight wrapper to run k3s (a minimal Kubernetes distribution) in docker - and to run automated tests using cucumber. For this you will need at least 32 GB of RAM, 64 GB is preferable. The solution can be found here: [https://github.com/OSGP/gxf-gitops](https://github.com/OSGP/gxf-gitops). Container images can be found in [ https://github.com/orgs/OSGP/packages?repo\_name=open-smart-grid-platform](https://github.com/orgs/OSGP/packages?repo_name=open-smart-grid-platform). Currently the gxf-gitops repository only contains the charts to deploy and test our flexible public lighting solution. The deployment of our smart metering solution is still work in progress.
> 
> As a side note, I would like to mention that the current smart metering implementation is specifically tailored to the Dutch market, so it would probably need several changes to make it operable outside of the Netherlands.
> 
> In the past we also used to have a distinct microgrids solution available, but as it was no longer used, we removed it from our codebase. However, the old microgrids components can still be found in the GitHub history:
> 
> - [https://github.com/OSGP/open-smart-grid-platform/tree/release-5.28.0/osgp/platform/osgp-adapter-domain-microgrids](https://github.com/OSGP/open-smart-grid-platform/tree/release-5.28.0/osgp/platform/osgp-adapter-domain-microgrids)
> - [https://github.com/OSGP/open-smart-grid-platform/tree/release-5.28.0/osgp/platform/osgp-adapter-ws-microgrids](https://github.com/OSGP/open-smart-grid-platform/tree/release-5.28.0/osgp/platform/osgp-adapter-ws-microgrids)
> - [https://github.com/OSGP/open-smart-grid-platform/tree/release-5.28.0/osgp/protocol-adapter-iec61850](https://github.com/OSGP/open-smart-grid-platform/tree/release-5.28.0/osgp/protocol-adapter-iec61850)
> - [https://github.com/OSGP/open-smart-grid-platform/tree/release-5.28.0/integration-tests/cucumber-tests-platform-microgrids](https://github.com/OSGP/open-smart-grid-platform/tree/release-5.28.0/integration-tests/cucumber-tests-platform-microgrids)
> 
> but they will require some serious dusting off to make them usable again.

# Metering

# Metering Evalutation

<table border="1" id="bkmrk-attribute-cost-%28mone" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 357.773px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 16.6865%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6865%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6865%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6865%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6865%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6865%;"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 46.5938px;"><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Attribute</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Cost (money)</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Interoperability</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">long term relationship</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Deployment Readiness</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Build Quality   
</td></tr><tr style="height: 29.7969px;"><td style="height: 29.7969px;">Inhemeter   
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">3</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">5</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">3</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">3</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">5</td></tr><tr style="height: 63.3984px;"><td style="height: 63.3984px;">Gomelong Meter (no PLC meter with built-in relay)</td><td style="height: 63.3984px;">  
</td><td style="height: 63.3984px;">  
</td><td style="height: 63.3984px;">  
</td><td style="height: 63.3984px;">  
</td><td style="height: 63.3984px;">  
</td></tr><tr style="height: 29.7969px;"><td style="height: 29.7969px;">Sagewood Meters</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td><td style="height: 29.7969px;">  
</td></tr><tr style="height: 35.3984px;"><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">[Calin Meter](https://www.prepayment-meter.com/sale-7647501-split-type-sts-prepaid-meters-din-rail-power-meter-with-ciu-pole-mounting.html)</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">?</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">5</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">5</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">?</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">5</span></td></tr><tr style="height: 35.3984px;"><td style="height: 35.3984px;">[Spark Meter](https://nextcloud.nearlyfreeenergy.com/f/627)</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">3</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">1</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">3</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">1</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">5</td></tr><tr style="height: 46.5938px;"><td style="height: 46.5938px;">China Brandless Meter   
</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">5</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">1</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">3</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">3</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">1</td></tr><tr style="height: 35.3984px;"><td style="height: 35.3984px;">[iSmart Meter](https://www.ismartmeters.com/products/single-phase-smart-sts-g3-plc-split-din-rail-prepaid-meter/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">1</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">5</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">3</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">1</td><td style="height: 35.3984px;">3</td></tr><tr style="height: 35.3984px;"><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(191, 237, 210);">[Hoptele Meter](https://www.hoptele.com/single-phase-energy-meter/)</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(191, 237, 210);">3</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(191, 237, 210);">5</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(191, 237, 210);">5</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(191, 237, 210);">5</span></td><td style="height: 35.3984px;"><span style="color: rgb(191, 237, 210);">3</span></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Inhemeter

China/UG based OEM. Edwin Cho is our contact. 0 774 667667, +86 135 3210 1631. 1way Meter boxed FOB 46Usd  
Cloud Vending System 100 USD per month up to 1000 meters

Free On Board (FOB)  
Which means not including shipping and inland transport and any clearance fees

### Sagewood   


Sagewood is a UK based logistics supplier. +44 7831 135528 - Manoj

Got some feedback on this one . Here goes… Hi Hilary, all good am still in china snd heading back tomrrow to uk. China was on national holidays from 30 April to today May 5. Now working on it. I have discussed with the team - Due to small number of meters for the system, we suggest a cloud version so you don’t have to invest in hardware. Many endusers are doing this. Meters we can handle but MOQ is around 2000 metres. Or we can manufacture them to very with other orders. So you don’t have to worry about MOQ. Allow me few days and I revert back.

### Hoptele   


China supplier / OEM. Single phase PLC meter. Wall mount with PLC support and inbuilt relay. DIN rail mount with PLC support but no inbuilt relay. 70 US per meter. No vending system.

### Gomelong   


China based supplier, has a local distributor in Uganda. Gomelong Meter (no PLC meter with built-in relay). May have none PLC option. Pricing for "digital meter" (probably with no relay) 127k UGX per unit.

### Spark Meter   


Kenya based. Proprietary system (Meters + AMI). 70 USD per meter. Comes with a DTU that requires line of sight to meters. 1 DTU per 2000 meters max. 600 USD per year per DTU.

### Calinmeter   


Have a DIN rail PLC with built-in relay. Waiting on quote. May also have AMI

### iSmart   


Found these ones online. They also have a [PLC with built-in relay](https://www.ismartmeters.com/products/single-phase-smart-sts-g3-plc-split-din-rail-prepaid-meter/).

<div id="bkmrk-total-cost-for-prepa" style="max-width: 100%;">The meter sample fee: 10pcs*600USD/pc; the DCU will need 7500USD/pc; the PC software for testing is 5000USD/pc; the optical head is 300USD/pc; the pilot system will need 30000USD; the technical assistance fee is 1500USD; DHL shipping cost is around 5500USD.</div>

# Wired vs Wireless meters

### Wireless open standards   


#### Comparison

<table id="bkmrk-protocol-frequency-r"><thead><tr><th>Protocol</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Range</th><th>Data Rate</th><th>Topology</th><th>Power Usage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Zigbee</td><td>2.4 GHz, 915/868 MHz</td><td>Short</td><td>Up to 250 kbps</td><td>Mesh, Star</td><td>Very Low</td></tr><tr><td>LoRaWAN</td><td>868/915 MHz</td><td>Long</td><td>0.3–50 kbps</td><td>Star</td><td>Extremely Low</td></tr><tr><td>Wi-SUN</td><td>868/915 MHz</td><td>Medium to Long</td><td>50–300 kbps</td><td>Mesh</td><td>Low to Medium</td></tr><tr><td>Bluetooth LE</td><td>2.4 GHz</td><td>Short</td><td>125 kbps–2 Mbps</td><td>Star, Mesh</td><td>Very Low</td></tr><tr><td>IEEE 802.11ah</td><td>Sub-GHz (~900 MHz)</td><td>Medium</td><td>Up to Mbps</td><td>Star, Tree</td><td>Low</td></tr><tr><td>IEEE 802.15.4</td><td>Various</td><td>Short–Medium</td><td>20–250 kbps</td><td>Mesh, Star</td><td>Very Low</td></tr><tr><td>Thread</td><td>2.4 GHz</td><td>Short</td><td>250 kbps</td><td>Mesh</td><td>Very Low</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Recommended for Residential Microgrid Applications in Uganda:

- **LoRaWAN**: If covering a large geographical area (kilometers), due to its excellent range, penetration, and low power use.
- **Wi-SUN**: For robust, medium-to-large-scale smart metering networks, especially if a mesh topology is desirable.
- **Zigbee/Thread**: Ideal for dense residential areas where devices (meters) are closer together, benefiting from low power and reliable mesh networking.

### Wired Open standards   


#### Comparison

<table id="bkmrk-protocol-standard-os"><thead><tr><th>Protocol</th><th>Standard</th><th>OSI Layers</th><th>Medium</th><th>Topology</th><th>Range</th><th>Data Rate</th><th>Typical Application Areas</th><th>Remarks</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>**G3-PLC**</td><td>ITU-T G.9903</td><td>Layers 1-2</td><td>Power Lines</td><td>Mesh, Star</td><td>Up to several km</td><td>2.4–35 kbps</td><td>Smart grids, AMI, smart meters</td><td>Robust, designed for noisy environments; supports IPv6, strong security</td></tr><tr><td>**PRIME**</td><td>ITU-T G.9904</td><td>Layers 1-2</td><td>Power Lines</td><td>Mesh, Star</td><td>Up to several km</td><td>21–128 kbps</td><td>Smart metering, distribution automation</td><td>Optimized for higher-speed PLC, widely used in European smart meter rollouts</td></tr><tr><td>**IEEE 1901.2 PLC**</td><td>IEEE 1901.2</td><td>Layers 1-2</td><td>Power Lines</td><td>Mesh, Star</td><td>Up to several km</td><td>2.4–500 kbps</td><td>Smart grids, smart cities</td><td>High interoperability, IPv6 support; ideal for utility and smart city deployments</td></tr><tr><td>**M-Bus (Meter-Bus)**</td><td>EN 13757</td><td>Layers 1-2</td><td>Twisted pair cable</td><td>Bus</td><td>Up to ~1 km</td><td>0.3–38.4 kbps</td><td>Meter reading (water, heat, gas)</td><td>Widely used in Europe; reliable, low-cost wired solution</td></tr><tr><td>**KNX**</td><td>ISO/IEC 14543-3</td><td>Layers 1-2</td><td>Twisted pair cable</td><td>Bus, Star, Tree</td><td>Up to ~1 km</td><td>9.6 kbps</td><td>Building automation, home control</td><td>Open standard for building automation, popular in Europe</td></tr><tr><td>**BACnet MS/TP**</td><td>ASHRAE 135</td><td>Layers 1-2</td><td>RS-485 twisted pair</td><td>Bus</td><td>Up to ~1.2 km</td><td>9.6–115.2 kbps</td><td>Building automation, HVAC controls</td><td>Common in building and industrial automation; robust, scalable</td></tr><tr><td>**Ethernet**</td><td>IEEE 802.3</td><td>Layers 1-2</td><td>CAT5/CAT6 cable</td><td>Star, Tree</td><td>Up to ~100 m</td><td>10 Mbps–100 Gbps</td><td>Networking backbone, smart buildings</td><td>High-speed, standard networking; widely supported across industries</td></tr><tr><td>**RS-485 (EIA-485)**</td><td>EIA-485</td><td>Layers 1-2</td><td>Twisted pair cable</td><td>Bus</td><td>Up to ~1.2 km</td><td>Up to 10 Mbps</td><td>Metering, industrial control systems</td><td>Simple, robust, widely used for serial data transmission</td></tr><tr><td>**CAN Bus**</td><td>ISO 11898</td><td>Layers 1-2</td><td>Twisted pair cable</td><td>Bus</td><td>Up to ~1 km</td><td>Up to 1 Mbps</td><td>Automotive, industrial automation</td><td>High reliability, robust error detection, common in harsh environments</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Recommended Wired Protocols for Residential Microgrid Metering (Uganda)

- **PLC-based (e.g., G3-PLC or IEEE 1901.2)**:
    
    
    - Ideal due to existing infrastructure (power lines).
    - Good for scalable, reliable deployments.
- **RS-485**:
    
    
    - Robust, simple wiring suitable for smaller clusters.
    - Common for direct-wired connections (local clusters).
- **M-Bus**:
    
    
    - Suitable if integrating gas, water, or heat metering alongside electricity

### Comparison between wired and wireless   


<table id="bkmrk-aspect-wireless-opti"><thead><tr><th>Aspect</th><th>Wireless Option (Wi-SUN/LoRaWAN)</th><th>Wired Option (G3-PLC, RS-485)</th><th>Recommendation</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>**Installation Cost**</td><td>🟢 Lower</td><td>🔴 Higher (cabling, labor)</td><td>Wireless ✅</td></tr><tr><td>**Maintenance Cost**</td><td>🟡 Moderate (battery replacements)</td><td>🟢 Low (no batteries required)</td><td>Wired ✅</td></tr><tr><td>**Reliability**</td><td>🟡 Medium (environment dependent)</td><td>🟢 High (consistent, stable)</td><td>Wired ✅</td></tr><tr><td>**Scalability**</td><td>🟢 High (easy additions)</td><td>🔴 Moderate to low (harder additions)</td><td>Wireless ✅</td></tr><tr><td>**Range/ Coverage**</td><td>🟢 Good (with repeaters)</td><td>🟢 Excellent (using PLC)</td><td>Wired (PLC) ✅</td></tr><tr><td>**Security**</td><td>🟡 Good (depends on setup)</td><td>🟢 Very Good</td><td>Wired ✅</td></tr><tr><td>**Installation Time**</td><td>🟢 Short</td><td>🔴 Longer</td><td>Wireless ✅</td></tr><tr><td>**Physical disruption**</td><td>🟢 Minimal</td><td>🔴 High (trenching, wiring)</td><td>Wireless ✅</td></tr></tbody></table>

### 💡 Recommended Choice: Hybrid or G3-PLC

#### 📌 Primary Recommendation: G3-PLC (Wired)

Given your scenario (dense apartment blocks with existing electrical infrastructure and meters located closely on the ground floor), **G3-PLC** offers significant advantages:

- **Low Ongoing Maintenance:** No batteries to manage.
- **High Reliability:** Stable signal leveraging existing wiring.
- **Cost-effective (long-term):** Minimal ongoing costs after initial installation.
- **Robust &amp; secure**: Highly suited for apartment complexes.

#### 📌 Alternate Recommendation: Hybrid (PLC Backbone + Wireless Endpoints)

If flexibility or future expansions matter, consider a hybrid setup:

- Use **G3-PLC** within each block to connect meters reliably to a local gateway.
- Connect block gateways to a central system via wireless (**Wi-SUN or LoRaWAN**). This reduces physical disruption between buildings while maintaining the reliability within each block.

This hybrid method provides the best of both worlds—flexibility and low maintenance.

### Links

[Chatgpt detailed thread](https://chatgpt.com/share/682665f4-9c6c-800c-a63f-6d58c790a91a)

# CalinMeter

We got the API docs [here](https://app.getpostman.com/join-team?invite_code=25ac56aeb76885a7a2bbf4525d3fcc187e059ef3ac2ef753327381aecf098b19&amp;target_code=d01750a060a15877abdc95ed406d59e3)

# Storage

Batteries and invertor

# Cost Analysis: Procurement and Shipment of 60kWh LFP BYD Batteries from China to Uganda

**1. Executive Summary:**

This report provides a comprehensive cost estimate for purchasing and shipping a 60kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack manufactured by BYD from China to Uganda. The analysis encompasses the estimated purchase price in China, various shipping options and their associated costs, and the import duties and taxes applicable in Uganda. The total estimated cost is subject to considerable variation depending on factors such as the prevailing market price of batteries, the chosen shipping method (sea or air freight), and the specific import duties levied by the Ugandan authorities at the time of import. This report outlines a potential cost range to aid businesses in Uganda in their procurement planning and financial forecasting for such a significant component.

**2. Introduction:**

BYD (Build Your Dreams) stands as a prominent global manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, including Lithium-ion and LFP chemistries, with a significant presence in the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="1" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">1</sup></span> The company's LFP batteries are particularly recognized for their enhanced safety features and cost-effectiveness, making them a preferred choice for a wide array of applications, from electric vehicles to stationary energy storage systems.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="1" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">1</sup></span> Given BYD's established position in the battery market, this report aims to provide a detailed cost analysis for an entity in Uganda seeking to procure a 60kWh LFP battery pack from this leading Chinese manufacturer. This analysis will delve into the primary cost drivers, including the initial purchase price of the batteries in China, the logistical expenses associated with shipping to Uganda, and the governmental levies in the form of taxes and duties imposed by both countries. Understanding these components is crucial for accurate budgeting and informed decision-making for any organization undertaking such an international procurement.

**3. Estimated Purchase Cost of 60kWh BYD LFP Batteries in China:**

The landscape of lithium-ion battery pricing in China has been characterized by a notable downward trend, primarily influenced by decreasing raw material costs and heightened competition among manufacturers.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="4" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">4</sup></span> This trend is particularly evident in the pricing of LFP batteries, which generally exhibit a more competitive cost structure compared to Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) batteries.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="6" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">6</sup></span> Recent industry reports suggest that the price of LFP battery cells in China, which stood at approximately $70 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the near past, was anticipated to undergo substantial reductions throughout 2024, with further potential decreases projected for 2025.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="4" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">4</sup></span> Some forecasts even indicated the possibility of LFP cell prices falling below $56/kWh by mid-2024 and potentially reaching as low as $36/kWh by 2025.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="4" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">4</sup></span>

Examining online marketplaces such as Alibaba and Made-in-China reveals a variety of BYD LFP battery products listed by different suppliers, with prices varying based on factors like capacity and the specific vendor.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="16" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">16</sup></span> Given these fluctuating market conditions and supplier-specific pricing, it becomes apparent that a precise, fixed purchase price is difficult to ascertain. Instead, a more realistic approach involves considering a price range based on the available data.

Based on the per kWh price ranges identified in the research, the estimated purchase cost for a 60kWh BYD LFP battery pack in 2024 can be projected. Utilizing the lower end of the price spectrum at around $49/kWh <span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="12" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">12</sup></span> and the higher end at approximately $70/kWh <span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="4" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">4</sup></span>, the following cost range can be estimated:

**Table 1: Estimated Purchase Cost Range of 60kWh BYD LFP Batteries in China (2024)**

<table data-sourcepos="21:1-25:29" id="bkmrk-price-per-kwh-%28usd%29-" style="margin-bottom: 32px; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><tbody style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><tr data-sourcepos="21:1-21:61" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Price per kWh (USD)**</td><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Estimated Cost for 60kWh Pack (USD)**</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="23:1-23:28" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="23:1-23:18" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Low Estimate: 49</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="23:20-23:26" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">2,940</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="24:1-24:28" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="24:1-24:18" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Mid Estimate: 60</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="24:20-24:26" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">3,600</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="25:1-25:29" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="25:1-25:19" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">High Estimate: 70</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="25:21-25:27" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">4,200</td></tr></tbody></table>

This suggests that the purchase cost for a 60kWh BYD LFP battery pack could range from approximately $2,940 to $4,200 based on 2024 price levels. It is important to note that potential price reductions anticipated for 2025 could further lower these estimates.

For sourcing these batteries, platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China serve as potential avenues, hosting numerous suppliers and distributors of BYD batteries.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="16" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">16</sup></span> Several specific companies have been identified as offering BYD battery products.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="16" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">16</sup></span> Additionally, BYD itself operates an energy storage division, which could be a direct point of contact for procurement.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="25" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">25</sup></span> While online platforms offer a broad selection of suppliers, engaging directly with BYD or their officially recognized distributors might provide enhanced assurance regarding product quality and potentially more favorable pricing terms, especially for substantial orders like a 60kWh battery pack.

**4. Shipping Cost Analysis: China to Uganda:**

Transporting a large and heavy item like a 60kWh battery pack from China to Uganda necessitates careful consideration of the available shipping methods, each with its own implications for cost and transit time. Sea freight generally emerges as the more economical option for such substantial cargo.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="37" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">37</sup></span> Within sea freight, two primary options exist: Less than Container Load (LCL) for smaller shipments that don't fill an entire container, and Full Container Load (FCL) for larger volumes.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="37" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">37</sup></span> The typical transit time for sea freight from China to Uganda ranges from 5 to 8 weeks.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="38" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">38</sup></span>

Conversely, air freight offers a significantly faster transit time, typically between 7 to 10 days for standard air freight and 2 to 4 days for express services.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="38" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">38</sup></span> However, this speed comes at a considerably higher cost compared to sea freight.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="37" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">37</sup></span>

Estimating the precise shipping costs requires considering the weight and volume of the 60kWh LFP battery pack. Research suggests that a battery pack of this capacity can vary in weight depending on the manufacturer and design, ranging from approximately 438kg for a Tesla Model 3 battery <span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="40" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">40</sup></span> to over 700kg for a Delong battery pack.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="41" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">41</sup></span>

Based on these weight figures, the estimated cost for air freight, which is typically calculated per kilogram, can be projected. Using a cost range of $7.5 to $10 per kg <span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="37" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">37</sup></span>, the air freight cost for a 60kWh battery pack could range from $3,285 (438kg \* $7.5/kg) to $7,120 (712kg \* $10/kg).

For sea freight, the cost is often determined by volume, particularly for LCL shipments, with rates ranging from $150 to $190 per cubic meter.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="37" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">37</sup></span> While the exact volume of a 60kWh battery pack was not explicitly available in the research, its substantial size likely makes an FCL shipment (using a 20-foot container) a more practical approach. The cost for an FCL 20-foot container from China to Uganda is estimated to be between $4,000 and $6,000.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="37" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">37</sup></span>

**Table 2: Estimated Shipping Cost Comparison (Sea vs. Air Freight)**

<table data-sourcepos="45:1-49:71" id="bkmrk-shipping-method-cost" style="margin-bottom: 32px; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><tbody style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><tr data-sourcepos="45:1-45:71" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Shipping Method**</td><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Cost Metric**</td><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Estimated Cost (USD)**</td><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Transit Time**</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="47:1-47:77" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="47:1-47:19" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Sea Freight (LCL)</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="47:21-47:38" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">$150 - $190 / m³</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="47:40-47:61" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Requires Volume Data</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="47:63-47:75" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">5 - 8 weeks</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="48:1-48:74" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="48:1-48:24" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Sea Freight (FCL 20ft)</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="48:26-48:40" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Per Container</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="48:42-48:58" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">$4,000 - $6,000</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="48:60-48:72" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">5 - 8 weeks</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="49:1-49:71" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="49:1-49:13" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Air Freight</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="49:15-49:31" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">$7.5 - $10 / kg</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="49:33-49:49" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">$3,285 - $7,120</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="49:51-49:69" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">7 - 10 days (Std)</td></tr></tbody></table>

The selection of the shipping method will have a significant impact on the total cost. Sea freight offers substantial cost savings but necessitates a longer lead time, while air freight provides speed at a considerable premium.

Engaging a freight forwarder is a common practice for international shipments to manage the complexities of logistics and customs procedures.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="37" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">37</sup></span> These services typically involve additional fees covering documentation, customs clearance in China, and overall shipment coordination. Furthermore, it is important to anticipate potential surcharges such as fuel adjustments, port handling fees, and other miscellaneous charges that can add to the base shipping costs. Therefore, when budgeting for the shipment, an allowance for freight forwarder fees and these potential unforeseen surcharges should be included to ensure a more accurate overall cost estimation.

**5. Tax and Duty Implications:**

Navigating the tax and duty implications in both China and Uganda is a critical aspect of the overall cost analysis.

In China, the research material does not explicitly mention specific export taxes levied on batteries. While standard export procedures and minor administrative fees might be applicable, significant export duties on this commodity appear unlikely based on the provided information. Nevertheless, it is prudent to verify this with the chosen supplier or a freight forwarder based in China to preempt any unexpected charges at the point of export.

Uganda, on the other hand, has specific import duties and taxes that will apply to the incoming battery pack. Notably, Uganda recently imposed a 25% import duty on electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and electric motorcycles.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="48" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">48</sup></span> While batteries are not explicitly listed in this category, their fundamental role as a core component in both electric vehicles and energy storage systems strongly suggests that they are highly likely to be subject to this new import duty. Under the East Africa Customs Union (EACU) common external tariff, most finished products attract a 25% duty, further supporting the likelihood of this tariff applying to the battery pack.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="50" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">50</sup></span> This import duty is expected to be a significant contributor to the overall cost of importing the 60kWh LFP battery pack.

In addition to import duties, Uganda levies a Value Added Tax (VAT) at a standard rate of 18%.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="50" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">50</sup></span> This VAT is typically calculated on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the imported goods, which includes the purchase price, shipping costs, and the import duty itself.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="52" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">52</sup></span> Therefore, the 18% VAT will be applied on top of the combined cost of the battery, its shipment, and the 25% import duty, leading to a further increase in the total expenditure.

Other relevant taxes in Uganda include a 1.5% infrastructure tax on imports, designed to fund railway infrastructure development.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="50" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">50</sup></span> Additionally, a 15% withholding tax may be applicable to imported goods and services, although the specific applicability to batteries warrants confirmation with the Ugandan tax authorities.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="50" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">50</sup></span> While these taxes are individually lower than the import duty and VAT, they will collectively contribute to the overall tax burden associated with the import.

It is important to highlight that the Ugandan government offers potential tax exemptions and incentives for local manufacturers involved in the electric vehicle sector. Entities manufacturing electric vehicles, electric batteries, or charging equipment, and meeting specific criteria such as employing at least 80% Ugandan citizens, utilizing at least 80% locally sourced raw materials (where available), and meeting minimum investment thresholds, might be exempt from the 25% import duty and stamp duty.<span style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><sup class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="48" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;">48</sup></span> If the importing entity qualifies under these provisions, they could potentially realize significant reductions in the final cost.

To provide an estimated range for the import duties and taxes in Uganda, the following table illustrates the potential breakdown based on the low and high estimates for the purchase cost and shipping (using sea freight as the lower shipping cost):

**Table 3: Breakdown of Estimated Ugandan Import Duties and Taxes (Based on Sea Freight)**

<table data-sourcepos="73:1-80:67" id="bkmrk-item-low-estimate-%28u" style="margin-bottom: 32px; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><tbody style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><tr data-sourcepos="73:1-73:51" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Item**</td><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Low Estimate (USD)**</td><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**High Estimate (USD)**</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="75:1-75:67" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="75:1-75:48" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Estimated Value of Goods (Purchase + Shipping)</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="75:50-75:56" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">6,940</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="75:58-75:65" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">10,200</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="76:1-76:56" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="76:1-76:38" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Import Duty (25% of Estimated Value)</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="76:40-76:46" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">1,735</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="76:48-76:54" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">2,550</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="77:1-77:67" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="77:1-77:46" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">VAT (18% of (Estimated Value + Import Duty))</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="77:48-77:57" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">1,561.20</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="77:59-77:65" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">2,295</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="78:1-78:63" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="78:1-78:46" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Infrastructure Tax (1.5% of Estimated Value)</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="78:48-78:55" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">104.10</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="78:57-78:61" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">153</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="79:1-79:70" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="79:1-79:52" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Potential Withholding Tax (15% of Estimated Value)</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="79:54-79:60" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">1,041</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="79:62-79:68" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">1,530</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="80:1-80:67" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="80:1-80:38" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Total Estimated Taxes and Duties**</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="80:40-80:53" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**4,441.30**</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="80:55-80:65" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**6,528**</td></tr></tbody></table>

*Note: The "Estimated Value of Goods" in the Low Estimate scenario uses the low purchase cost ($2,940) + the low end of the FCL sea freight cost ($4,000). The High Estimate uses the high purchase cost ($4,200) + the high end of the FCL sea freight cost ($6,000).*

**6. Total Estimated Cost and Breakdown:**

Consolidating the estimated purchase cost, shipping cost (considering both sea and air freight for a comprehensive range), and the total estimated taxes and duties, we can arrive at an overall cost projection:

**Table 4: Consolidated Total Estimated Cost Range**

<table data-sourcepos="90:1-97:71" id="bkmrk-cost-component-low-e" style="margin-bottom: 32px; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><tbody style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><tr data-sourcepos="90:1-90:61" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Cost Component**</td><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Low Estimate (USD)**</td><td style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**High Estimate (USD)**</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="92:1-92:43" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="92:1-92:25" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Estimated Purchase Cost</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="92:27-92:33" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">2,940</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="92:35-92:41" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">4,200</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="93:1-93:57" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="93:1-93:39" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Estimated Shipping Cost (Sea Freight)</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="93:41-93:47" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">4,000</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="93:49-93:55" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">6,000</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="94:1-94:57" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="94:1-94:39" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Estimated Shipping Cost (Air Freight)</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="94:41-94:47" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">3,285</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="94:49-94:55" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">7,120</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="95:1-95:49" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="95:1-95:28" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">Estimated Taxes and Duties</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="95:30-95:39" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">4,441.30</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="95:41-95:47" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">6,528</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="96:1-96:71" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="96:1-96:40" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Total Estimated Cost (Sea Freight)**</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="96:42-96:56" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**11,381.30**</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="96:58-96:69" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**16,728**</td></tr><tr data-sourcepos="97:1-97:71" style="font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;"><td align="left" data-sourcepos="97:1-97:40" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**Total Estimated Cost (Air Freight)**</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="97:42-97:56" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**10,666.30**</td><td align="left" data-sourcepos="97:58-97:69" style="border: 1px solid; font-family: Google Sans Text, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; margin-top: 0px !important;">**17,848**</td></tr></tbody></table>

The total estimated cost for purchasing and shipping a 60kWh LFP BYD battery pack from China to Uganda could range significantly, potentially from approximately $10,666.30 (low purchase cost + low air freight + low taxes/duties) to $17,848 (high purchase cost + high air freight + high taxes/duties). If sea freight is chosen, the range would be approximately $11,381.30 to $16,728.

**7. Key Considerations and Recommendations:**

For any entity in Uganda looking to undertake this procurement, several key considerations and recommendations should be taken into account:

- **Supplier Negotiation:** Actively engage in negotiations with potential battery suppliers in China to secure the most competitive purchase price, especially when dealing with larger order volumes.
- **Incoterms:** Clearly define and agree upon the Incoterms with the chosen supplier. These terms dictate the responsibilities and costs associated with transportation and delivery, including who bears the risk at different stages of the shipping process.
- **Shipping Insurance:** Secure adequate shipping insurance to protect against potential damage or loss of the valuable cargo during its transit from China to Uganda.
- **Quality Control:** Implement stringent quality control measures in China, preferably through on-site inspections before shipment, to ensure the battery pack meets the required technical specifications and quality standards.
- **Customs Clearance in Uganda:** Partner with a reputable and experienced customs broker in Uganda. Their expertise will be invaluable in navigating the import clearance procedures, ensuring compliance with all Ugandan regulations, and potentially expediting the process.
- **Verification of Import Duties and Taxes:** It is strongly recommended to directly contact the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) or consult with a qualified tax professional in Uganda. This step is crucial to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding import duties, VAT rates, and the applicability of any potential exemptions for battery imports. The information provided in this report is based on currently available data but is subject to change.
- **Exploring Local Suppliers:** While the focus of this report is on importing from China, it might be worthwhile to briefly explore the possibility of sourcing similar batteries from local suppliers within Uganda or the broader East African region. However, the availability and cost-effectiveness of BYD LFP batteries through these channels may be limited.
- **Long-Term Cost Analysis:** When evaluating the overall cost, consider the long-term benefits associated with LFP batteries, such as their extended lifespan, high cycle life, and potentially lower maintenance requirements compared to other battery chemistries. These factors can contribute to a more favorable total cost of ownership over the operational life of the battery pack.

By carefully considering these recommendations and conducting thorough due diligence, the procuring entity in Uganda can better navigate the complexities and costs associated with importing a 60kWh LFP BYD battery pack from China.

# Vending

# Billing and Payment System evalutation

<table border="1" id="bkmrk-attribute-cost-%28mone" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 266.375px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col><col style="width: 16.6667%;"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 46.5938px;"><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Attribute</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Cost (money)</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Interoperability</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">long term relationship</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Deployment Readiness</td><td style="height: 46.5938px;">Quality   
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# Pesapal

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</u>**</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-%C2%A0payment-link" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">**<u style="max-width: 100%;"> Payment Link</u>**</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk--2" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">**<u style="max-width: 100%;">  
</u>**</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-%C2%A0we-provide-a-person" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;"> We provide a personalised payments page link that enables your clients to pay you both on and off the website. It accepts Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and mobile money payments. For example, [ https://payments.pesapal.com/wildwaterslodge](https://payments.pesapal.com/wildwaterslodge "https://payments.pesapal.com/wildwaterslodge")</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk--3" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">**<u style="max-width: 100%;">  
</u>**</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk--4" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">  
</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-benefits%3A" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;"><u style="max-width: 100%;">Benefits:</u></div>- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Saves Time &amp; Cost: Rids off the time and resources of having to register orders &amp; bookings manually.</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Drive Sales 24/7: Push for sales all day as long as you are open without fear of overbookings</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Reduce risk on Fraud: All payments are posted in real-time reducing risk of handling payments manually</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;"> You can run promotions on social media pages using links that will direct guests to place direct bookings to any property as well as to complete payment. i.e.[https://payments.pesapal.com/wildwaterslodge](https://payments.pesapal.com/wildwaterslodge "https://payments.pesapal.com/wildwaterslodge")</div>

<div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-find-below-examples-" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">Find Below examples of some of the properties and the links that we have Integrated the online booking engine.</div>- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Arcadia Lodges -<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); max-width: 100%;">[https://arcadialodges.reserveport.com/](https://arcadialodges.reserveport.com/ "https://arcadialodges.reserveport.com/")</span></div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Imperial Hotels -<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); max-width: 100%;">[https://imperialhotels.reserveport.com/](https://imperialhotels.reserveport.com/ "https://imperialhotels.reserveport.com/")</span></div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">BMK House - [ https://bmkhouse.reserveport.com/](https://bmkhouse.reserveport.com/ "https://bmkhouse.reserveport.com/")</div>

<div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk--5" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">  
</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-b%29point-of-sale-mach" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">**B)<u style="max-width: 100%;">Point of sale machine</u>**</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk--6" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); max-width: 100%;">![cid:b75f8c5e-18fd-4b37-bd97-65a8b3c42067](https://nextcloud.nearlyfreeenergy.com/apps/mail/api/messages/255/attachment/2)</span></div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk--7" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;"><u style="max-width: 100%;">  
</u></div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-distinct-features" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;"><u style="max-width: 100%;">Distinct features</u></div>- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Fast set up and training in 24 hours </div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Accept VISA , MasterCard &amp; Mobile Money payments</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Process MTN Mobile Money payments</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Customer receives physical receipts for Mobile Money and card payments, you also retain the merchant copies to help in reconciliations.</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Stable connection with both 4G + Wi-Fi</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Virtual Cards from Booking.com &amp; Expedia can be charged </div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Tap and Go feature</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Next day settlement</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Settlement to any Bank in Uganda</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Very competitive transaction fees .</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Access real-time reports</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Branded receipt with your company logo</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Integrate with any 3rd party POS system</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Mitigate fraud and human error during reconciliation</div>

<div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-c%29%C2%A0payment-link" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">**C)<u style="max-width: 100%;"> Payment Link</u>**</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-%C2%A0we-provide-a-person-1" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;"> We provide a personalised payments page link that enables your clients to pay you both on and off the website. It accepts Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and mobile money payments. For example, [ https://payments.pesapal.com/wildwaterslodge](https://payments.pesapal.com/wildwaterslodge "https://payments.pesapal.com/wildwaterslodge")</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk--8" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">  
</div><div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-rates-and-costs" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">**<u style="max-width: 100%;">Rates and costs</u>**</div>- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Card rate per transaction- 2.5%</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">mobile money per transaction is 2%</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Online Rate per transaction- 3.5%</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Payment page set up-No cost</div><div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">  
    </div>

<div class="elementToProof" id="bkmrk-documents-required-t" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; font-family: Aptos, 'Aptos_EmbeddedFont', 'Aptos_MSFontService', Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">**<u style="max-width: 100%;">Documents required to be submitted</u>**</div>- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Certificate of incorporation</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Form 20 </div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Form 1</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">TIN certificate</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">IDs for the directors as per the form 20</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Cancelled cheque leaf or Bank statement/ Bank letter confirming bank details</div>
- <div style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Completed signup form [Pesapal Sign Up Form new.pdf](https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/attachments/3)</div>

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">**Questions from Aaron**</span>

**Rates and Costs**: In your current workflow, are these costs paid by customers (transparently) or charged to the merchant (hidden from the customer)? I pay my Yaka bill with MTN mobile money and when I pay for a token of 200k UGX, I am charged a 4150 UGX. I would like an approach where fees are transparent to the customer and not hidden. <span style="color: rgb(12, 100, 192); max-width: 100%;">Customers are charged for every transaction they make see attached tariff [Tarrif .png](https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/attachments/2). In addition, merchant is charged commission of 3.5% per transaction</span>

**Payment links/Page**: There's two options I would like to discuss here. There examples you shared for the lodges are one option. I would like to know if I can have the option of NFE appearing among the Pay Utility options on [ this page](https://ugpayonline.pesapal.com/)<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); max-width: 100%;">. Is that option available to us?</span><span style="color: rgb(12, 100, 192); max-width: 100%;"> This is not an available option, we can engage our developers on this.</span>

**Timelines for payment settlement**: I would like to understand what your current average timelines are for settling funds to Merchants and Customers in the following cases

\- Depositing funds on Merchant accounts after completion of a customer transaction. Let me know if these differ depending on the payment method the customer uses. Understanding these will help my team plan what our cashflow expectations if we decide to work with Pesapal. <span style="color: rgb(12, 100, 192); max-width: 100%;"> Settlement to merchant accounts takes 24hrs,we have developed this to have real time settlements to any bank or mobile money</span>

\- Refunding customers for transactions done in error or overpayment. How long before a customer receives their fund on their orginal form of payment when NFE initiates are refund through PesaPal. <span style="color: rgb(12, 100, 192); max-width: 100%;">Reversals to customers take effect from the time we are notified</span>

**Documents required to be submitted:** We are able to provide all these documents. I think you forgot to attach the sign-up form. <span style="color: rgb(12, 100, 192); max-width: 100%;">See attached the sign up form</span>

Lastly, in full transparency, this decision for our payments partner is still pending. We are currently evaluating other providers like Jumia Pay, Pegasus and setting up direct integrations with Telcos and Banks. We are aiming to make a decision on this by end of this week.<span style="color: rgb(12, 100, 192); max-width: 100%;"> Can we run a test account as you evaluate on the providers, this will give us the real feel.</span>

# Microgrid Capability Map

Microgrid Capabilities

This diagram shows the distinct capabilities the microgrid will have and the level of freedom each capabilities for each capability's current implementation offers the community the microgrid is serving. The diagram also show Aaron's understanding of the level of risk to the model associated with each capability given what we know about it. The capabilities without a risk profile assigned are not targeted to go live yet.

<div drawio-diagram="17"><img src="https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/uploads/images/drawio/2025-06/drawing-4-1748921074.png" alt=""/></div>

#### Smart Meters 

Based on our evaluation [here](https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/books/product/page/metering-evalutation), we'll likely use Calinmeter's [CA168-S. ](https://www.prepayment-meter.com/sale-13760623-split-type-digital-kwh-meter-single-phase-din-rail-mounted-energy-meter.html)

#### Monitoring and Steering 

This is still under evaluation [here](https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/books/product/page/metering-evalutation) but we are leaning towards using EnAccess's [MicroPowerManager](https://micropowermanager.io/#/welcome)

#### Billing and Payment Processing 

We'd be going postpaid using [Pesapal](https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/books/product/page/pesapal), see evaluation [here](https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/books/product/page/billing-and-payment-system-evalutation).

#### Customer Relationship Management 

Expo CRM seems like a good option because we have [one running](https://espocrm.nearlyfreeenergy.com/) as part of what Federated Computer offers us. And yes, it's open source but we are yet to test it.

#### Money Tracking 

All money will be tracked via Open Collective's Platform.[ NFE fiscal host ](https://opencollective.com/nfe)has already been set up.

#### Macrogrid Connection 

Our connection to the UEDCL main grid will be metered by a proprietary meter controlled by UEDCL, we may need to connect an addition meter infront of it that we control.

#### IoT Communication 

As per [this](https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/books/product/page/wired-vs-wireless-meters) report, we are leaning towards wireless communication via an open standard (LoraWAN)

# Microgrids 101

[This page](https://lf-energy.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/HYP/pages/260341781/Microgrid+introduction) and [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microgrid#:~:text=Electropedia%20defines%20a%20microgrid%20as,voltage%20up%20to%2035%20kV.) go into great detail to describe the concept of a microgrid. I would like to expand on that. During one of the weekly LF Energy Hyphae community checkin calls. When I explained that the initial phase for NFE's pilot microgrid will only include sub-metering a handful of homes. My colleague commented that "Oh, so it won't really be a microgrid yet". That statement stuck with me because I infant think it would be a microgrid. Which brings us to the question I would like to address in this article. What do I mean when I say "microgrid".

### Why definitions matter

Definitions generally matter because they help us communicate more clearly about the problem and how we are solving it. If we can agree on what we when when we say "microgrid" or "battery" then it makes it simpler to have conversations about which use-cases make sense for Hyphae's autonomous microgrid idea to address.

### First principles 

The term *microgrid* is a compound term. It consists of two terms *micro* and *grid*. I will start with the assertion that a microgrid is first a *grid*. If we are agreed there (pun not intended), then let's move on to define what we mean by *grid*.

A grid, in it's most primitive form, is really a set of at least two energy assets, connected, usually by physical energy conducting medium like a wire for a purpose. Let's look at the picture below.

<div drawio-diagram="12"><img src="https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/uploads/images/drawio/2025-05/drawing-4-1747946609.png" alt=""/></div>

The energy asset on the left (battery) is producing energy and the asset to the right is consuming energy. The two assets have been connected for a purpose and I think that's actually an a very simple example of a grid. Now this grid can include more than 2 assets and in the real world, there's often 100s of assets connected to a grid but for the sake of defining the term, I think this example will serve us well.

If you are still with me, let's move on to the preceding term, the *micro* term. This term adds a layer of meaning to the Grid term. I propose that the distiction between Micro and Macro is really about scope of monitoring and steering for the "owner(s)" of the grid. If the scope is considered small by the owner and exists within the context of a larger grid, then we have ourselves a *microgrid*.

### Energy Assets 

These exist in various forms but here's an oversimplified list [Energy\_Asset\_Taxonomy.csv](https://bookstack.nearlyfreeenergy.com/attachments/4). I share it here to example one's imagination on the kind of things that can exist on a microgrid.

##### **Supply-Side Assets (Energy Producers)**

These generate or inject energy into the system.

<table id="bkmrk-subtype-example-asse"><thead><tr><th>**Subtype**

</th><th>**Example Assets**

</th><th>**Notes**

</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Renewable Generators

</td><td>Solar panels, wind turbines

</td><td>Often variable in output

</td></tr><tr><td>Non-renewable Generators

</td><td>Diesel gensets, gas turbines

</td><td>Firm or dispatchable supply

</td></tr><tr><td>Co-generation Units

</td><td>CHP systems

</td><td>Produce electricity + heat

</td></tr></tbody></table>

##### **Demand-Side Assets (Energy Consumers)**

These draw energy from the system.

<table id="bkmrk-subtype-example-asse-1"><thead><tr><th>**Subtype**

</th><th>**Example Assets**

</th><th>**Notes**

</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Residential Loads

</td><td>Lighting, HVAC, appliances

</td><td>Often flexible for DR programs

</td></tr><tr><td>Industrial Loads

</td><td>Motors, manufacturing equipment

</td><td>Usually larger and more steady

</td></tr><tr><td>Electric Vehicles

</td><td>While charging

</td><td>Can also act as supply (see V2G)

</td></tr></tbody></table>

##### **Storage Assets (Bidirectional)**

These can both store (consume) and release (supply) energy.

<table id="bkmrk-subtype-example-asse-2"><thead><tr><th>**Subtype**

</th><th>**Example Assets**

</th><th>**Notes**

</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Battery Storage

</td><td>Lithium-ion, lead-acid

</td><td>Fast response, scalable

</td></tr><tr><td>Mechanical Storage

</td><td>Flywheels, pumped hydro

</td><td>Used in larger systems

</td></tr><tr><td>Thermal Storage

</td><td>Ice storage, molten salt

</td><td>Stores heat, not electricity

</td></tr></tbody></table>

##### **Hybrid/Prosumer Assets**

Assets that both consume and produce energy as part of normal operation.

<table id="bkmrk-subtype-example-asse-3"><thead><tr><th>**Subtype**

</th><th>**Example Assets**

</th><th>**Notes**

</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Solar + Battery Systems

</td><td>Rooftop PV with integrated battery

</td><td>Common in homes &amp; businesses

</td></tr><tr><td>EVs with V2G

</td><td>Electric Vehicles (bi-directional)

</td><td>Vehicle-to-grid capable

</td></tr><tr><td>Smart Appliances

</td><td>Can adjust operation dynamically

</td><td>May support DR/load shifting

</td></tr></tbody></table>

##### **Monitoring &amp; Steering Assets (Support Infrastructure)**

These don’t directly consume or produce energy, but enable management.

<table id="bkmrk-subtype-example-asse-4" style="width: 76.9126%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 21.5302%;">**Subtype**

</th><th style="width: 43.4164%;">**Example Assets**

</th><th style="width: 35.0534%;">**Notes**

</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width: 21.5302%;">Smart Meters

</td><td style="width: 43.4164%;">Energy meters with comms

</td><td style="width: 35.0534%;">Enable billing, monitoring

</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 21.5302%;">IoT Sensors

</td><td style="width: 43.4164%;">Voltage, temperature, fault sensors

</td><td style="width: 35.0534%;">Support system diagnostics

</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 21.5302%;">Controllers/EMS

</td><td style="width: 43.4164%;">Inverters, EMS, SCADA systems

</td><td style="width: 35.0534%;">Coordinate and control flow

</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Monitoring and Steering the microgrid

This capabilities represent what the purpose for a microgrid can be. In the example of NFE's first phase of microgrid deployment. The purpose can be thought of as 3 part;

- for the owner (of the microgrid) to monitor energy consumptions patterns to inform additions of supply side assets like batteries in future so that energy can be more reliable for the community
- for the owner and consumers to bulk purchase electricity there by making it more affordable.
- for the owner and consumers to evolve the their experience of transacting on the grid. Prepaid vs postpaid vs credits to consumers.

The point here being that these capabilities of monitoring and steering (the assets) on the grid are a means to achieve a variety of purposes for the grid owner and other grid stakeholders.

### The Autonomous Microgrid 

This is what I think can be the vision for project [Hyphae](https://lfenergy.org/projects/hyphae/), to be able to simply define a start and end state for grid attributes we care about and have Hyphae monitor and steer the grid to the end state. For example, the end state could be 90% reliability for all demand side assets on the grid. Hyphae can then make sure that energy is being drawn or stored or cut off from some assets so that we can maintain a reliability of 90%.

That's what I imagine an autonomous microgrid should be capable of doing. There may be aspects of grid operations that will require manual human intervention like replacing a malfunctioning asset or making a payment for a bill but the more you think about it, the more you recorgnize that almost every aspect has potential to be automated to make the grid completely autonomous.

### Levels of Microgrid Autonomy 

I am thinking about how we can borrow from [the 6 levels for Self driving cars ](https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3016_201806/)to define levels for Microgrids..

TBD