About Us
PowerOptimal, founded in 2014, 
is a leader in sustainable, smart, simple energy solutions, specialising in hot water. Our technology platform is built on proven South African electricity demand management technology, with a strong track record of successful installations over more than 10 years.
Our intellectual property and manufacturing are 
proudly South African. Our engineers bring over 60 years’ combined experience in light current electrical design and manufacturing.
We have two main product ranges:
Our Elon® solar PV water heating solution allows for direct connection of solar PV (photovoltaic) panels to standard electric water heaters (geysers). Using our proprietary direct current (DC) switching technology, water heating using solar PV is now cost-competitive with solar water heaters and heat pump systems and with much longer lifetimes and minimal maintenance.
PowerGuard® is a demand management solution that can reduce your peak power demand by up to 50%, and reduce your electricity bill by up to 20%.
With our proven technology, track record of successful installations and experienced team we can help you save money and manage your electricity supply limitations whilst reducing your carbon footprint.
Link to PowerOptimal’s Privacy Policy:Â https://poweroptimal.com/privacy-policy/
Lowest cost per kWh of water heating
Contact PowerOptimal for more information or one of our installation partners for a quote.
The Team
Richard Fearon
Co-founder and CEO
Richard is a successful entrepreneur that has been involved in more than 20 technology start-up and small businesses in various capacities.
Richard is passionate about people, marketing and strategic communications, and how these expertise can be used effectively to underpin business development strategies.
Dr. Liesbeth Botha
CTO
Liesbeth has over 20 years experience as an executive in the digital innovation, investment, and high-tech space. Prior roles: Partner / Director / Digital Lead PwC Africa. Executive Director: Materials Science and Manufacturing, CSIR. Executive Director: Innovation and Commercialization, Stellenbosch University. Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering at Pretoria University. She holds a PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University.
She’s an engineer at heart, and a fearless adventurer. She wants to fix things and help preserve the planet so she can keep on exploring. She knows it takes a village to raise a child.
Dr. Sean Moolman
Co-founder and COO
Sean has a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Management Advancement Programme from Wits Business School and is a Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP). He has over 20 years of experience in engineering, R&D, product development, management of R&D, IP management and technology commercialisation.
Sean is passionate about the Energy Revolution and its potential to change the world.
Johan Theron
Director and inventor of the Elon® 100
Johan is a light current systems designer, inventor and developer of the PowerGuard® and Elon® technologies. He has over 40 years’ experience in light current systems. Johan has his own successful electronics design and manufacturing business, Crane Electronics CC.
Dr. Ann Louise Johansson
Non-Executive Director
Ann Louise has almost 25 years of experience from different roles within R&D, sales, marketing, business development, strategy and corporate management in Sweden, Australia/Asia Pacific and Africa. In her current position as General Manager at the Technology House Qamcom Research and Technology (QRT), she is responsible for the Stockholm site and the QRT corporate strategy. Ann Louise holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden.
Ann Louise is passionate about using technology to create value. She enjoys outdoor life, and she is determined in her belief that technology can support sustainable development and the possibility for future generations to enjoy the outdoors the way we do.
Andrew Goedhart
Systems Architect
Andrew has a BSc (Eng) in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. He has over 25 years of experience in software development, product design and systems engineering. He has worked in both startup and multinational environments and holds international patents in smart grid technology and telecommunications.
Andrew believes that sustainable value is unlocked by following a systems approach and leveraging information in a connected world.
James Fearon
Head of Data and CRM
James graduated from Vega School Cape Town with a BBA in Brand Building & Management. AÂ self-described environmentalist with a passion for building brands that make real, measurable impact on earth. Bringing a youthful perspective and energy to the team- ensuring environmental activism and impact are the core values of every decision made at PowerOptimal.
Barry Cooke
Sales Lead
Barry is a practical hands on individual with deep experience ranging from ground level to management responsibility in both SA & Internationally in the following sectors: Electrical installation contracting; Large Scale Data and Telecommunications infrastructure planning and implementation; Regional operational and financial management role – consumer product sales and service centre including connected device solutions. Barry is a certified PV Green Card Installer.
Barry is passionate about people and has a thirst for knowledge in all tech related developments. His love for Technology spills over into his deep roots with music, be that performing live on stage or creating music in the studio.
Philip Silvester
Sales Lead
Philip has an in-depth knowledge of business development. He has been in different managerial position, developing and growing small businesses. He takes the time to identify the customer’s needs and ensure the best possible solution to any problem. His enthusiasm for leadership comes from his involvement in his direct community to grow and develop youth leadership.
Philip has a passion for the outdoors and always looking for the next adventure, working together to bring environmental awareness and to reduce the carbon footprint to building a better future for the next generation.
