For the 98 percent of Malawi’s rural population who do not have access to electricity, solar power is proving to be a viable solution
Electricity is something that most people in the Western world take for granted. With a flick of a switch one can light up a room, boil water or charge a cell phone without giving it a second thought. According to a United Nations report, however, electricity is something that two billion people globally do not have access to. In Africa, 95 percent of rural homes do not have access to electricity and in Malawi only two percent of the rural population has access to electricity. For most rural communities in Africa, the only source of light power is often a kerosene lamp. Kerosene is not only expensive but it can lead to serious health conditions. The situation is slowly changing, however, thanks to a few dedicated organisations and the introduction of solar power.
The Truth behind Kerosene
Proportionately, kerosene is a far more expensive and far less effective light source. The cost of kerosene in terms of useful light energy ($/lumen per hour) is 325 times higher than an incandescent light bulb and 1,625 times higher than a compact fluorescent bulb. Depending on the amount used, kerosene can easily consume between ten percent and twenty-five percent of the average rural family’s income.
Besides being expensive, kerosene contributes to indoor air pollution resulting in serious health risks that include respiratory illnesses and eye problems. It is estimated that indoor pollution is a major contributing factor to the death of 1.6 million people each year. Kerosene lamps also pose a further threat in terms of fires that can cause severe burns, loss of property and even death.
Added to the human impact is the fact that kerosene has a serious environmental impact. According to research carried out by SolarAid, the average kerosene lamp is responsible for one ton of carbon emissions over a ten to fourteen year period. The gravity of this becomes apparent when one considers that there are approximately 1.5 million kerosene lamps in Malawi alone.
The Solar Solution
Thanks to the work of non- profit originations such as SolarAid, solar power is fast becoming a friendlier and more affordable alternative for the rural populations in Malawi. SolarAid’s projects include both micro-solar units (lamps, torches and solar chargers) for home use and macro-solar projects (large solar panels, solar water pumps, etc) for schools and hospitals. The light from a solar–powered bulb is between ten and twenty times brighter than that of a kerosene lamp. Tests have shown that a solar LED lantern can last for up to ten days non-stop on a single battery charge. The batteries are recharged with one-watt solar panels and can last 20 years or more if used only once a week. The solar powered torches can last up to three years and the batteries can be charged up to a thousand times, making both of these items a more cost-effective option.
The Far-reaching Benefits
Besides providing a safer, cleaner and renewable energy source, solar power is proving to be a valuable income source for many rural Malawians. SolarAid has implemented several training programmes as part of their SunnyMoney project to teach entrepreneurs the necessary skills for assembling and selling micro-solar products. One such project teaches young Malawians, specifically those affected by HIV/AIDS, how to convert medium sized kerosene ‘hurricane’ lamps into LED solar lanterns. The conversion involves placing rechargeable AA batteries into the chimney and using LEDS to direct light onto improvised cone reflectors. To make the project even greener, the reflectors are made from upcycled materials such as aluminium foil or the inside of cigarette packets. In another project SunnyMoney is helping to improve the live of a group of women, most of whom are widows. In Malawi, a widow usually loses everything after her husband’s passing and can end up in severe poverty. On average, these projects have lead to a 58 percent increase in income.
The installation of solar panels is also proving to have positive effects on education and healthcare. It is estimated that equipping a school with solar power could increase the overall performance of students by 50 percent as after school programmes are now a possibility. After hours programmes are also proving to be beneficial to adult learners. One such programme is held on Tylo Tea Estate in Southern Malawi. The initiative provides literacy classes to over 500 adults in the evenings. Until the arrival of solar lighting, evening classes where not an option due to the high cost of kerosene.
A Slightly Brighter Future for Africa
Malawi is not the only African country reaping the benefits of solar power. Other rural communities in Zambia, Uganda and Kenya are also benefiting from programmes run by SolarAid and other non-profit organisations. Rural Energy Foundation, a Dutch non-profit organisation, has helped 450,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa gain access to low-cost solar power while Solar Light for Africa is providing solar power to clinics, orphanages, schools and churches.
Tags: AIDs, electricity in the developing world, HIV, kerosene and indoor pollution, kerosene lamps, Malawi, solar power, SolarAid
