Solar power benefits rural East Africa

Solar power has opened a world of opportunity, improved the quality of life and eased daily routines in the developing world, according to the New York Times.

Sara Ruto of Kiptusuri, Kenya purchased an $80 solar power system made in China in February. Her farming village is nowhere near the East African nation's grid but now her lifestyle is far more modern than it previously was before she sold some animals to buy the solar system.

"My main motivation was the phone, but this has changed so many other things," the married mother of six told the publication last month.

Previously needing to travel three hours to charge her phone in the nearest town where electricity was available, she now is able to charge her phone and power four bright lights. Her teenagers' school performances have improved, she no longer has to spend money on kerosene and batteries, and she conserves the $20 she would have spent on traveling.

And more than 60 families in Kiptusuri have installed their own solar systems.

"You leapfrog over the need for fixed lines," Adam Kendall, head of the sub-Saharan Africa power practice for consulting firm McKinsey & Company, told the publication. "Renewable energy becomes more and more important in less and less developed markets."

This article was originally posted on Africa Sustainable Energy & Environment Platform

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