Two ways to get a solar cold room: buy it, or pay for the cold. Both are legitimate; they suit different businesses. Here is the comparison without the sales pitch.
Key facts
- Buy: you pay US$150,000–200,000+ for a 10 MT frozen store, own it, and carry maintenance and battery risk. Pays back in 3–5 years against diesel.
- Service: nothing upfront, a fixed monthly fee 20–30% below diesel plus grid, maintenance and insurance included, 5–10 year term.
- Service contracts need a qualifying customer: 3+ years trading, dollar revenue or a ~US$1M project, steady cold load.
- Both routes get the same equipment, monitoring and coastal build.
When buying wins
You have the cash, you earn in local currency and your project is below the US$1M service-contract floor, or you want the asset on your balance sheet. The Nouakchott cold store was a cash purchase for exactly these reasons. You still get FBE design, supply and commissioning — and you carry the maintenance.
When the service contract wins
You would rather keep cash for stock and growth, you earn dollars (or run a large enough site), and you want somebody else to own the risk of a battery in year six. Your accountant prefers an operating expense; your lender prefers that you didn't borrow for equipment.
The honest middle
Some customers buy the cold room and contract the power; others start with a purchase and move to a contract when they add a second store. Tell us the constraint — cash, currency, balance sheet — and we'll say which fits.
Not sure which route? Ask — we'll tell you honestly.
Talk to Frontières BayFrequently asked
Can I buy the system at the end of a contract?
Yes — renew, upgrade or take it over; the terms are set before signing.
Is maintenance included in a purchase?
Commissioning and a warranty are; ongoing maintenance is a separate service contract if you want it.