Solar empowers: The total impact on a village in Botswana
The Government of Botswana recognizes the need for electricity in rural areas and has initiated a rural electrification program based on home-lighting systems. In 1992, as the first phase of this program, the Government implemented a solar pilot project in the village of Manyana. The pilot project consists of 42 PV lighting systems, 6 PV-powered street lights, PV lighting and refrigeration systems for the village clinic, and 6 solar water-heating systems. The 42 participating households in Manyana are using the systems on a long-term (15 year) lease-purchase arrangement where monthly payments roughly equal their former expenditures on kerosene and candles. The Renewable Energy for African Development Program (REFAD) evaluated the project and provided additional input for establishing a widespread, commercially driven solar rural electrification program. The REFAD team`s research indicated that the project had overwhelmingly positive effects on the lifestyles and economy of the rural community. Nearly all the households without electric service expressed interest in purchasing the PV systems.
- OSTI ID:
- 79346
- Journal Information:
- Solar Industry Journal, Journal Name: Solar Industry Journal Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 5; ISSN 1050-5660; ISSN SIJOE7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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