Communicating solar charging stations to improve access to energy

Challenge

In Benin, the national electrification rate stands at 42%, mainly because the electricity network is insufficiently dense. However, the country has great potential in terms of solar energy, which is currently largely under-exploited. In this context, families use lighting solutions that are both costly and potentially toxic, such as paraffin lamps, batteries and candles. The high cost of this lighting, which is often of poor quality, limits the time children spend studying, and is detrimental to parents’ professional activity.

Innovative solution

Lagazel manufactures solar lamps locally in Benin and designs and installs collective solar lamp charging stations. As part of the project, the partners are developing and testing a communicating version of these charging stations, enabling them to be managed remotely. This will enable them to be maintained quickly and efficiently and offer new economic models that are more accessible and better suited to rural communities.

Impact

• Improving access to energy for the population in Benin, providing better learning conditions for children, more working time for adults, safer houses, etc.
• Creation of economic activities for the young people supported by Fondacio Benin, who will be able to offer solar lamp and mobile phone recharging services
• Reducing CO2 emissions by promoting sustainable energy solutions