Bring Energy Revolution To The People… Solar Road Show Touches Gbangbatoke And Rutile

The drive of Sierra Leone’s Energy Revolution continues this year with series of solar fairs and activities across the country.

The ‘Solar Road Show’ has touched Gbangbatoke and Rutile in the South of Sierra Leone. The road show which started in 2016 is a way of raising awareness of the power of decentralized solar energy as part of the Sierra Leone Energy Revolution.  

Activities included fairs and events in Gbangbatoke and Rutile and radio discussion and messages that highlight the benefits of solar power.

A key focus of each solar fair was a “solar truck”, used to play music, and to power TVs, fans and fridges. A variety of solar powered lanterns, rooftop systems and phone charging equipment were also on display. The road show took place across the Southern Province of Sierra Leone.

The events enabled hundreds of people to interact with, and learn about, solar products and to meet members of the Renewable Energy Association of Sierra Leone (REASL). Radio discussion and messages explained how the public can find out more about solar technology and where to buy solar lights, rooftop systems and appliances. 

Sam Zoker, Secretary, REASL said “Solar energy saves families money, and will help businesses to thrive but many people simply don’t know that modern solar lights and products for homes and businesses exist. Making sure people are aware of the opportunity to switch to better, cheaper power is vital if we are to end energy poverty.” 

In Sierra Leone, only one percent of homes in rural areas are connected to the central grid, and 90 percent of rural homes use battery-powered torches for light. Batteries cost on average 10-15 percent of household income, but costs can be as high as 66 percent in some regions.​ ​Once purchased, solar lanterns and home systems are powered by the sun, enabling families to make big savings. Replacing all of the batteries and kerosene used for off-grid lighting in Sierra Leone with modern, renewable off-grid solutions would enable savings of over US$105 million per year. 

The ‘Solar Roadshow’ events, radio discussion and messages were organized by GIZ, Endev, Power for All, Barefoot Women, and REASL, and are a part of the Energy Revolution activities aimed at enabling 250,000 households to access solar lighting by the end of 2017, and modern energy for all by 2025.  

Members of the public who would like to learn more about solar technology and where to buy solar products are advised visit a local Microfinance Bank, or contact the Barefoot Women Solar Engineers Association of Sierra Leone at Konto Line. 

About the Sierra Leone Energy Revolution The Sierra Leone Energy Revolution was launched by the President, Ernest Bai Koroma to combat energy poverty in the country. The Energy Revolution has set bold targets to reach 250,000 homes with distributed solar solutions by the end of 2017, and achieve access to modern energy for all by 2025. The initiative is supported by all 149 Paramount Chiefs. ​www.slenergyrevolution.com   About Power for All  Power for All is a global campaign to accelerate the deployment of distributed renewable energy solutions, from basic solar lanterns to rooftop systems and renewable mini-grids. 

The campaign serves as a collective voice for businesses and civil society focused on achieving universal energy access. Power for All and its partners seek to shape policy, attract investment, and build effective, collaborative partnerships​— creating the conditions needed for the sector to scale at speed. Power for All has launched national campaigns in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. www.powerforall.org

Story By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay