Nowhere is the demand for energy more intense, nor the ability to fill that demand more viable with solar energy, than in the third world.
Many third world homes are without power. Living in areas where solar energy abounds, rural residents often live in small, one-room homes. To fulfill their minimal energy needs, those that go beyond the basics of living with kerosene lamps for heat and light use batteries, generally car batteries, that they take to the nearest villages to have recharged as often as possible. Not only is this inconvenient, it\’s expensive. Since it\’s an expense that is not an absolute necessity, a resident may well go without this additional resource as well. For children attempting to study at night, without light, it\’s harmful to the eyes, as well as scholastic endeavors. Many energy-impoverishments occur in areas where there is no power generation.
Construction of a conventional energy grid, with a coal, gas or oil power plant, is something that isn\’t affordable…either for the government…or local enterprises in third world countries, particularly in rural areas. Solar energy, however, is a viable option and something that really makes sense in several different scenarios. Solar energy, with larger solar power arrays can be built on site and used for villages in \”on-the-grid\” fashion, while individual panels can be placed on or near the individual homes of even the most rural of residents.
There are a number of United States charities, including the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, that are contributing heavily to worldwide efforts to bring clean, renewable energy to third world residents. The focus is bringing solar energy that will be used for access to water, as well as light and heat.
Another very involved partner is SELF, Solar Energy Light Fund. Their mission is to \”provide solar power and wireless communications to a quarter of the world\’s population living in energy poverty.\” It\’s a daunting mission…one they\’ve not only taken on, but have been very successful at. Bringing solar power in western China to 1,000 households in fourteen villages, they have worked in many areas with local governments and agencies to help self-fund the building and distribution of small-scale photovoltaic systems. They have worked to help scattered Masai herder tribes acquire solar-powered telephones in Tanzania. They have installed photovoltaic systems in schools and clinics in many third world countries, and are currently very involved in a project in Haiti that will help bring solar-powered medical clinics across the country into being.
Many third world residents strip trees for fuel and shelter. They burn animal dung for fuel. In doing so, they are using up most of their minimal foliage, resulting in loss of shade and shelter for themselves and other animals. They are creating toxic fumes with burning dung, and losing the potential of its use for natural fertilizer. One or two PV panels, installed to maximize capture of the sun\’s energy, connected to a battery pack, can provide year around heat and light in many locations, as well as power radios or small televisions.
Walking many miles daily to the nearest village for water, rural residents have spent valuable hours that they can use more productively. Adding pipes and solar energy power pumps to homes or central village locations brings water directly to rural residents for both drinking and irrigation. This allows them to grow more crops and to create a more sustainable lifestyle.
Solar stoves, solar water heaters, solar panels to produce enough electricity for lights, computers, radio and television, along with power for irrigation systems can make the difference between living in poverty, and living in abundance in a third world country.
Helping others helps you…it helps me. As we provide support for individuals and communities to build an infrastructure to support solar energy use, we build a better world for all of us to live in.
As all of us rely less on fossil fuels to support our basic needs, and more on renewable energy like solar, we will have more and more freedom…from energy barons…and from our own self-destruction through pollution and global warming.
Learn more about solar power information. Stop by Timothy Peters\’s site where you can find out all about home solar power and what it can do for you.
