Ethiopia families install solar air conditioners

The government of Ethiopia in collaboration with development partners and private sector is promoting the distribution and installation of solar home systems to the rural communities. However, there is no clear data that shows the public is interested to install solar home systems.

Ethiopia has a rapidly growing economy and offers tremendous opportunities to solar PV suppliers worldwide, having among the strongest solar resources in the world. In particular, the region offers excellent potential for off-grid energy systems with solar PV systems being promoted to replace fuel-based lighting and off-grid electrical needs.

On the other hand, Ethiopia is largely endowed with sunshine. Solar energy systems fit for household use are already partly available in the country. However, they are imported goods of inferior quality that often break down after a few months and thus threaten people's trust in solar energy systems.

With the expected expansion plan, the centralized grid will supply electricity to around 65% of the Ethiopian population and the rest 35% will be off-grid based. Off-grid energy systems such as the solar home systems are believed to be the immediate solutions by the policy makers.

In order to increase the electricity access, the Ethiopian government has launched National Electrification Program laying out the country's ambition towards universal access by 2025 through a combination of 65% grid-connected and 35% off-grid energy systems such as the solar home systems (SHS).

The Solar Home System project, which is implemented by atmosfair together with the young company fosera Manufacturing in Ethiopia, strives to effectively counteract this problem. Together, the project partners provide households with high quality yet affordable solar systems.