SUNPOWER TO ETHIOPIAN VILLAGERS

Sun energy empowers Ethiopian village
Ellen Otzen, 15 July 2009 (BBC World Service)

"Two years after the installation of [Ethiopia's largest] solar power project [in Rema, 150 miles north of the capital Addis Ababa] funded by international aid groups, villagers in northern Ethiopia say the sun's energy has turned their lives around…[E]very house in the village has electricity powered by solar lighting systems…

"This is unique in Ethiopia - 80% of the population live in rural areas where only 1% of the population has access to electricity…[V]illages in rural areas are often difficult to connect to the national electricity grid…Solar power has been touted by some as the long-term solution to Africa's energy needs…"

Life altering technology is on the table. (click to enlarge)

"…[Rema] village roofs are dotted with solar panels. One panel gives them about four lamps. The energy can also be used for radios and tape recorders…Solar power and has had a significant impact on the lives of people living here…[K]ids can do their homework at night now…

"A local bar has increased its turnover because of solar energy. With lamp running on solar energy, people stay in the bar after darkness falls…Cold beer is in high demand…[T]he bar's solar-powered fridge has made it available…"

A small solar panel on a hut can make a big difference. (click to enlarge)

"Samson Tsegaye is the country director of the solar energy foundation in Ethiopia, says there are currently [2,100 solar home systems in the village and] 300 requests for new solar home systems in Rema…Because of its solar power, Rema has become attractive to people from other areas…[N]ewcomers are settling in and building new houses in the village.

"A solar technician training school has been set up in Rema where students from technical schools are trained to manage solar energy…There are currently 33 solar energy technicians who have been trained at the school…working in different parts of Ethiopia…"