6 Reasons You Should Be Passionate About Solar Power

The benefits of solar energy tend to be seen in the medium to long term. Save on fuel costs, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, reduce the impact of climate change. All of these are very valuable reasons for employing solar technology. However, in the right situation, solar energy can have a much more direct impact on people's lives.

Most of the third world is rich in sunlight, but has little or no access to affordable electricity. Common alternative kerosene lamps are expensive, dangerous and not very effective. There is an amazing example of how many charities change their lives using solar technology-now!

1 COCO and Solar Lamp Project

COCO, a comrade for children abroad, has a project to provide solar lamps to young people in Tanzania. The power supply is not reliable in this region. Some power downs last up to 7 days. Many people cannot afford to buy electricity. Nighttime lamps are generally provided by kerosene lamps and have the disadvantages of cost, fire hazard, health problems, and ecosystem damage. Students will be provided with a micro loan. They pay about £ 1 a week to share and use a kerosene lamp. Solar lamp repayment is approximately £ 1.25 per week. After 25 weeks they repaid the loan. From then on, lighting needs will be met for free.

2 Solar Aid and Sunny Money Companies

Solar Aid and its subsidiary SunnyMoney have a social goal of increasing access to solar lights and reducing reliance on kerosene lamps. Solar lights provide reliable power, save money, improve health and improve educational opportunities by providing light to study without worrying about the cost and danger of using kerosene lamps The Their lamps are also equipped with cell phone chargers that can be an extra source of income.

3d.light design

d.light manufactures and sells four solar products to 2.6 billion people around the world who cannot use reliable power. These lights offer maintenance-free reliability and a short payback time because energy costs are reduced by up to 50%. In addition, making light available at night increases productivity and thereby increases household income. In collaboration with Christian Aid, they targeted 4,400 households in three states of India. A similar project was recently launched in Africa.

4 Practical behavior

Using simple technology, Practical Action works with the world's poorest people to find practical, specific and innovative poverty solutions. As an example of this, Turkana people in northern Kenya need to walk up to 10 km in relentless heat and sunlight to find water. Practical Action provides a great solution to this problem. Solar powered pump that can supply enough water even in drought conditions. These pumps are so efficient that they can supply up to 10,000 liters per hour from a 100 meter deep well.

5 IKEA Foundation

Millions of refugees use large canvas tents. Each tent costs around $ 500 and is designed to be used for 6 months, but is often used for years. The disadvantage of these tents is that they get hot during the day and too cold at night. The IKEA Foundation has devised a cost-effective alternative to canvas tents. This is a prototype of a flat pack refugee shelter. It is modular, lightweight, relatively easy to carry and can be assembled without tools. The roof is covered with a reflective sheet that keeps it cool during the day and warm at night. Comes with a unique solar panel that is used to power the lights and USB port. These shelters are warranted for 3 years but may last much longer. Although it is currently more expensive than a canvas tent, it will eventually become more durable and cost-effective.

6 Maendelo Foundation

Education in the 21st century relies heavily on information technology [IT] accessed primarily using laptops. In the third world, most students who are already faced with all kinds of barriers such as fees, uniforms, travel, etc. have the disadvantage of having little or no power supply. In Uganda, the Maendeleo Foundation uses solar power to fill this technology gap. Most sub-Saharan Africa is off-grid, but there is no shortage of sun directly below the equator. There are two rugged jeeps on the foundation. Each visits five schools a week and aims to reach an average of 200 students a day. As soon as the jeep arrives at school, an outdoor pop-up classroom will be provided. There are ample laptops for tents, chairs, desks and classes. By charging from the solar panel, students can take computer lessons lasting several hours.

All these projects deserve support. You can play your part in eradicating the poverty of the most vulnerable people in the world. Visit the project & website to find out more about how to join. Make a real difference.