Solar Energy for East African Countries
Solar energy for east African countries makes sense for a number of reasons. Recently, the East African Community considered ways to achieve production of ample energy supplies in the region, which includes Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Talk regarding use of methane and natural gas continues, and the possibilities associated with wind power in Tanzania could result in production of 10% of its energy needs.
However, given the prime location of East Africa, sitting right on the equator, solar energy is at the top of the list for renewable, reliable power. Unlike regions to the north or the south, variations in the strength of the sun’s rays does not occur. The sun is directly overhead all year round.
Check out this great video on solar fields in Africa:
So why is solar power not used more broadly in the east African communities? Blame it on cost.
At about $1,000 per solar panel unit, residents prefer to try to connect to the national grid (where they can), than to invest in solar energy. Many people believe, however, that the East African Communities (EAC) should develop and promote a regional investment policy for solar energy in order to maximize economies of scale. Costs would drop and more people would be able to convert to solar power, rather than rely on the maxed out grid, or doing without electricity where the grid is too far away.
While the EAC debates a potential regional investment policy for solar power, barefoot solar engineers are already changing the solar landscape in Africa. All over the continent, one panel and one village at a time, women are becoming trained to construct and repair solar panels to help electrify the rural areas in which they live:
Bring solar energy to east African countries
Can you help bring solar energy to East African countries?
Of course, the answer is a resounding yes! Just last week, a couple of teenagers raised money through the “Flick Off” campaign to send solar panels to Africa. Each $150 raised would pay for a single panel. Also, last fall, a local road race in San Diego was a fundraiser for solar projects in Africa.
Certainly, you can organize similar events in your hometown, or participate in fundraisers that are already underway.
Let’s not let all that abundant free solar energy to to waste! Solar energy for East African countries should be a reality for the millions of people that live in that area of the world.
Tags: barefoot solar engineers, east african community, east african countries, solar energy, solar fields, solar power in africa
June 11th, 2009 at 5:32 am
Loved the magic bus video. Does SF have solar trash cans? Philly does. see at http://www.phillygoessolar.com.....red-tras...
Go Phillies. Beat the Mets tonight in 11.
August 10th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Can Ialso get these solar panels please?
December 9th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Hi,
I am reeeaaally interested in solar energy or wind energy or any other type of free energy source for Malawi.
I live in Blantyre, Malawi and there is huge need for these free sources of energy.
Please could you assist me in contacts who can help me become a distributor of these forms of energy providers?
I am not in it for the money but because we have so much free sunlight, wind and water but we do not use it.
Help me please and I will be forever greafull.
Thank you,
J
March 9th, 2010 at 7:26 am
give ur contact address
willu be interested in providing infrastructure for assembling photovoltaic panels to generate power for villages?
what are the incentives provided for import and concessinsby malawi govt
March 24th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Hi Jumani,
This is Annie From China. We are the producer for solar panel , want to lunch new market in Africa. If you are interest in this subject, please feel free to contact with me via email: anniekina@gmail.com.
Thanks!
Annie
March 24th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Hi,
This is Annie Wang, i have a passion for solar panel products. Anyone interested in this biz, why not contact with me for more information?
my email is anniekina@gmail.com
BTW, i am from China. we are the producer of solar panel.
Cheers!
April 8th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Hi Jummani
I want to know you further about these solar cells that which african countries require it and who are the suppliers of these solar cells in Africa.
reply at
sufyan.yakoob@hotmail.com
July 12th, 2010 at 8:49 am
Hi Jummani
Am from India and we make very good solar LED lantens 6 in ! solar charged fan ad light and garden lighs so if you wish to interact pease email me at lightuplife1@gmail.com
thanks
Amlu
July 13th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Hi,
I work for the Boston-based nonprofit, Smallbean (www.smallbean.org). We have initiatives in Tanzania and Kenya where we teach technology sills and document community life through the use of solar power and refurbished electronics. We'd love to get more information on companies/organizations who could become potential partners with out solar energy efforts in rural villages.
I can be contacted at kamilahwelch@smallbean.org.
Thanks!
Kamilah
October 18th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
We are a rural community based organization working to help vulnerable rural communities out of extreme poverty vulnerability here in Uganda. We are real interested in solar panel for our project in the village. How can I get information of potential suppliers.
October 25th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I bought a solar panel in Kenya in 1990s and took it to Uganda.
at the time there was no one with the knowhow to install it for me.
it has been on the roof collecting rain water. I dont think it is
money. It is awareness. peoplein AFrica need to get out the mentality of looking at negative. the question to ask is how can I do abc?
Although I did not find someone to install the panel, I never
regretted. And working together as a team to support one household and the next will go a long way.
Maimuna
October 25th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
I am working actually in one of the big solar companies in China,if you need to get solar energy to generate electricity,please email me.My email is bliwoto@yahoo.com
July 18th, 2011 at 2:49 am
Hi!
We would like to sell solar panels (or other solar energy technologies) in Burundi. Does anyone can help us find a manufacturer ready to do business with us?
Thanks,
Geneviève Laroche and Diomède Niyonzima
Reply at gesouris@hotmail.com
+ 1 418 872 1984 (canada) (-6 GMT)
September 28th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
hello, I am ellen from china, we are the manufacture for solar panels, we have nearly ten years export experience for this products, the solar panels is arrange from 0.5 to 380 watts, we also offer OEM, if you have needs, please email to me, my email is ellen@china-solarpower.colm
December 19th, 2011 at 3:22 am
Am in Malawi Africa and highly interested in doing business for a foreign producer. The current Electricity supplier here is very unreliable. You can contact me on lytee1@gmail.com am interested in those that are willing to establish a distributor shop in solar power at a reasonable price… People are fed up here they need full time energy