believe that solar has no side effects -my eyes don't itch after using it for long periods
as they used to with kerosene.
This solar energy project with SCODE has been extremely helpful in not only installing
the solar panels and maintaining the panels but also in educating me. I am happy
with the partnership and have greatly benefited from it. I plan to buy a bigger panel in
future when I can afford it.
Solar energy is the best investment one can make because it is convenient and once
you have it, it is yours for life - you only pay for it once and that's it."
The Gathu household
Charles Gathu, a farmer and father of four, had been using kerosene pressure lamps
until early 2000. He used four pressure lamps, which was quite expensive because of
the amount of kerosene needed.
Although the initial capital
was high, it is cheaper to
use solar energy in the long
run
He learned about SCODE from a neighbor and bought
a 20watt system. However, the panel developed a
crack so it didn't work. He called the technicians, it
was replaced and since then he has encountered no
problems.
F or him, the only inconvenience was that the system couldn't store as much energy
during the cold weather and would light for only three hours in the evening. But with
time he learned how to use less energy during the day so as to have more energy
during the night.
He observes that although the initial capital was high, it is cheaper to use solar energy
in the long run. He has other plans for the future -to buy a bigger solar system to cater
for his radio, television, security lights and poultry.
The Nyaikaba household
Catherine Nyaikaba is the chairperson of Mwekuria Women's Group, formed in 1986,
with about 100 members. In 1999, group members saw a demonstration of solar
energy through the SCODE project. Unfortunately, by the
I no longer have to
worry about lighting
as my four-light
system meets our
needs perfectly.
time the project began, there was famine in the area so
many had no alternative but to invest all their money in
feeding their families and paying school fees thus missing
out on the solar project. However, a few like Mrs Nyaikaba
were fortunate to have saved some money so they
benefited from the project.
Mrs Nyaikaba says that she used to spend almost Ksh.4O per week on kerosene but
now uses that money on other things. She adds that she no longer has to worry about
lighting as her four-light system meets their needs perfectly.'