Solar power benefits rural East Africa

[jpak]

http://solar.coolerplanet.com/News/800320550-solar-power-benefits-rural-east-africa.aspx

Solar power has opened a world of opportunity, improved the quality of life and eased daily routines in the developing world, according to the New York Times.

Sara Ruto of Kiptusuri, Kenya purchased an $80 solar power system made in China in February. Her farming village is nowhere near the East African nation's grid but now her lifestyle is far more modern than it previously was before she sold some animals to buy the solar system.

"My main motivation was the phone, but this has changed so many other things," the married mother of six told the publication last month.

Previously needing to travel three hours to charge her phone in the nearest town where electricity was available, she now is able to charge her phone and power four bright lights. Her teenagers' school performances have improved, she no longer has to spend money on kerosene and batteries, and she conserves the $20 she would have spent on traveling.

<more>

[Nihil]

1. K & R for good use of solar PV

> "Renewable energy becomes more and more important in less and less
> developed markets."

Anywhere where you need to travel for three hours to find "the nearest town where
electricity was available" is ideal for an $80 solar power system that avoids
having to burn kerosene or consume dry cells.

:thumbsup:


Shame about this bit though ...
> ... the married mother of six told the publication last month.

... but hopefully her children will benefit from the increased educational
opportunities and thus reverse the trend.

:shrug: