Kuji's Solar Power Project

Click here to watch a video of our solar project (20 mins) in Realplayer.

UPDATES!!! Our solar panels have finally arrived in Arusha. After sitting in the port in Dar es Salaam for over a month, the solar units shipped from the United States have arrived at their final destination in Arusha, Tanzania. We are in the process of training volunteers and installing the units in households throughout the village. Check back often as we upate new pictures and updates of our progress!!!

Gaidi and students prepare to place a panel on a village house Student volunteers assemble components prior to installation A village home has light for the very first time! Gaidi, Charlotte, and Pete with local officials at the village ceremony Gaidi in front of solar supplies after arrival in Imbaseni Village UAACC volunteer Pallangyo with solar supplies he just picked up Students in training to install solar units The light shines after a successful test run Students attach the wiring to the back of a solar panel Two children wait anxiously for their first lights to be installed

Estimates have it that less than five percent of all Tanzanians have electricity in their homes. Most households are dependent on firewood and charcoal for their fuel for cooking, heating, and lighting. This is a huge burden on Tanzania's forests. In a country so closely situated to the equator, where there is sunlight for 12+ hours a day year round, the energy of the sun is a powerful and abundant resource waiting to be harnessed.

Kuji has embarked on an ambitious campaign to bring solar to the immediate villages surrounding Kuji's Tanzanian headquarters and the United African Alliance Community Center. Even those who are connected to Tanzania's national power grid often suffer from power outages or irregular service. Contant fluctuations reak havok on appliances and electronics. For the UAACC this has meant interruptions in the computer classes, and a shortened life span for the computers. By upgrading to a hybrid solar system, UAACC will be able to switch automatically from grid power to solar power whenever there is a power interruption. We will install a solar system that will allow the computer lab and basic functions of the center to continue uninterrupted during irregular service.

Kuji's Tanzanian headquarters will also be upgraded, allowing Kuji to virtually eliminate the need for grid power. UAACC and Kuji will then become models for alternative energy sources, and will work to complete energy self sufficiency.

Kuji will also install solar panels and batteries at the local orphanage, allowing them to have light in every room so that the children can work, study, and play indoors as well as out. It will also allow them to have some basic appliances which will greatly increase their ability to serve and care for the local children. This includes having a radio, having hot water, and eventually being able to install a computer.

Lastly, the most ambitious aspect of the plan is to outfit each household in the village with one small solar panel and a light set-up.

Learn more about Tanzania at Realbongo.com!