Entrepreneur provides alternative energy source

Climate change is increasing the development of alternative energy sources to drive the green economy which is gaining momentum.

Many of these sources are designed for poor communities which are finding it increasingly costly to afford power over the grid. In most instances, they can not access this power because their houses are constructed from cheap materials not complying with stringent regulations for the building industry especially in urban areas. Their poverty contributes to denying them access to electricity which is a basic commodity for survival in the modern era.

At a recent workshop on renewable energy, entrepreneurs exposed technologies for poor households and communities outside the grid. One of them, Carlos Smith of the George-based Specialised Solar System, expressed concern at the lack of urgency in equipping poor households with this basic service. He said this in reference to the local environment where the raw resource for power generation from the sun and wind are plentiful.

Smith said places like Alexandra were conducive to their solar technology which powers lights, phones, televisions, fridges, fans and music sets. He said they have already installed 15 000 units which are functioning in Eastern Cape homes, with more still being installed. He added that the connections were compatible with power provided by the grid and were installed as centralised units per home or decentralised through a hub that powered several homes. “The connection provides the families and community with a comprehensive solution for their energy needs, restores their dignity through lighting, has a one-year warranty with back up maintenance services by locals who are trained and in the process generate local employment,” he said.

The costs of the unit range between R2 000 to R10 000 depending on the size of the installation. Smith said they are currently working on getting government subsidy for households which can not afford the units.

Details: Carlos Smith; 044 878 1126, www.specialisedsolarsystems.co.za