Light and power from the national grid is not an option for the vast majority of Malawians, nor is it affordable. The last few years have seen considerable development in harvesting and supplying solar power to industry. Miniaturised affordable systems are appearing in the market place and, as the prices decrease with new developments, so the rural uptake increases.
The benefits to the community are wide ranging and progress is accelerated. Mobile phones are charged with ease, improving communications. Children can study at home by solar generated light, families have the pleasure of clean and free light at home, doing away with the financial constraint and hazard of paraffin lamps.
We are installing solar lights to library rooms at schools.
As well as facilitating the supply of solar powered installations to schools and the community trust, we supply miniature panels and lights for domestic and individual use, via Fisherman's Rest. These units, the brainchild of Tough Stuff, are reliable, durable, charge rapidly and provide excellent light. The cost of a unit is estimated to be rougly equivalent to between six and eleven months supply of paraffin to a small villiage family.