FAQ

Questions About Kintana

Who is Kintana SARL?

Kintana SARL is a Malagasy-German company providing end-to-end solar energy solutions built to last. As a developer and operator of mini-grids and nano-grids, we deliver clean, reliable electricity to rural regions without access to centralized power, enabling sustainable economic growth. We also design and install custom rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems and provide on-ground comprehensive maintenance to ensure long-term performance.

Our solutions, with integrated battery storage, are locally engineered, built to last, and maintained, combining German engineering standards with strong local expertise. Supported by on-the-ground teams, digital billing, and real-time smart-meter monitoring, we ensure reliable, future-ready energy systems across Madagascar and beyond.

What does the name Kintana stand for?

Kintana means star or stars in Malagasy. We at Kintana power businesses and entire rural regions with solar solutions built to last, so they shine brighter, just like stars.

Who is Jiro Taratra SA?

JiroTaratra is our project company (SPV) that holds the concession to electrify an entire region of approximately 340,000 inhabitants in the southeast of the Bongolava region. In addition to developing solar mini-grids, the project includes the construction of a hydropower plant. The first sites have already been electrified, with many more to follow soon.

Who stands behind Kintana?

Our largest shareholder is the German green energy provider Polarstern. They offer tariffs for private households, energy solutions for companies, and decentralized energy supply, including photovoltaic systems, combined heat and power plants, heat pumps, charging stations for electric vehicles, etc. for large buildings and entire neighborhoods. The company is committed to delivering 100% green energy—whether electricity or gas—and actively drives the energy transition in both Germany and the Global South. Polarstern is a certified member of the Economy for the Common Good and a B Corp company. Numerous awards highlight its innovative strength, including Germany's Most Innovative Company 2025 and Europe's Long-Term Growth Champion 2026, awarded by the Financial Times and Statista. Polarstern’s mission is clear: changing the world with energy. For more than two decades, the company has shaped the market and accelerated the global energy transition. The Henle-Zipse family with Polarstern founder Florian Henle (MEdWv Ventures GmbH, Gräfelfing, Germany) is the sole shareholder of Polarstern.

Questions About How We Work

How do we select the locations where we provide electricity?

We select project locations based on both government tenders for electrification of communes or regions, and proactive applications to communities in need. Key factors in our evaluation include distance to the national power grid, proximity to paved roads, population size, spacing between households, and the local economic structure.

In the first step, we use satellite imagery to evaluate the community’s size, population, and layout. Next, we conduct an on-site visit during which we carry out surveys to assess the community’s specific electricity needs. This process enables us to design systems that are accurately sized and tailored to each location.

Can we electrify neighbouring villages as well?

This depends on:

How do we measure our success/impact?

We measure success not by profit margin, but by the positive impact on our clients. Our pricing balances affordability and quality: the price per kilowatt-hour is set as low as possible for customers, yet high enough to ensure durable, high-quality products and to maintain the financial viability needed to grow and meet our obligations to investors.

Our impact is measured using surveys designed and verified by our partners at Leonardo Impact, who support organizations in collecting, verifying, and reporting impact data reliably.

At the start of each project, we conduct baseline surveys to understand the community’s situation before our services are implemented. After our solar solutions are fully operational, we conduct follow-up surveys to assess changes and improvements. This comparison allows us to quantify the tangible benefits of our work and showcase the real impact on communities and businesses.

How do we handle technical issues?

Our on-site teams are responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of our installations. Because they are based directly in the communities we serve, they can respond to technical issues quickly and stay in close contact with our customers.

If an issue cannot be resolved on site, our engineers at the headquarters in Antananarivo provide additional support—either remotely or by deploying technical staff to the field. This ensures reliable service and fast solutions for all our customers.

Questions About How To Get Electricity And Other Services

Can every house in a village where we are active get electricity?

Yes, as long as the house is within or close to the distribution network and the customer agrees to pay the required fees.

How can someone get electricity from Kintana/Jiro Taratra?

Anyone within our distribution network who is willing to pay the electricity fees can become a customer. To receive electricity, you:

What is the process after a customer signs a contract for electricity?

After signing the contract and paying the connection fee:

1. Our technicians install a house connection from the grid to your building.

2. Installations are completed in the order in which contracts are signed.

3. Once connected, you can add credit at our local office to start using electricity.

Note: Customers are responsible for the internal wiring of their buildings (sockets, lights, etc.).

How can a customer take part in our program to purchase new electrical appliances?

Visit our local office to express your interest, share the appliance type (refrigerator, freezer, husking mill etc.) and your preferred payment plan. We’ll then provide you with a tailored offer.

Questions About Fees And Tariffs

Why do customers have to pay a connection fee?

The one-time connection fee is primarily symbolic, as it covers only a small portion of the actual costs for cabling, smart meters, and technician labour. Kintana/Jiro Taratra cover the majority of the installation expenses. However, the fee reinforces customer commitment and helps ensure that connections are made only for households that are able to sustainably manage their electricity payments. Experience shows that services provided entirely free of charge are often not valued or used responsibly.

What is the monthly electricity fee for?

The monthly fee supports ongoing maintenance to ensure an uninterrupted service.

How does the prepaid system work?

How do we know how much electricity a customer consumes?

Smart meters automatically measure and track electricity consumption. Customers only pay for what they use.

Why is the electricity cheaper during the day than during the night?

During the day, power comes directly from the solar park. At night, batteries are used, which are expensive and limited in capacity. To encourage daytime use, daytime rates are lower.

What appliances can a customer use with our electricity?

Depending on your tariff, you can use both small (e.g., TVs, laptops) and large appliances with a higher electricity consumption (e.g., refrigerators, welding machines, rice huskers) up to 15kW.

Why do we offer different electricity tariffs?

We offer five tariff options to suit different energy needs and budgets. Higher tariffs allow more electricity and include higher service costs, which is reflected in the price per kWh and the monthly fee.

Who decides on the price of the different electricity tariffs?

Tariff prices are regulated by the Electricity Regulatory Authority Arelec.

What is the difference between the tariffs?

Tariffs vary by: