Windhoek — Because of the cost of supplying homes with electricity distributed by regional utility Erongo RED, the Swakopmund Municipality is now opting for solar power - especially to the fast growing residential areas north of Mondesa, one of Swakopmund's largest suburbs.

The Council stated at its year-end public meeting that the advantages of the solar option were that no infrastructure was required, and it would cost half of what E-Red is charging.

Basic kits - consisting of a solar panel, battery, light switches and plug sockets - would cost about N$10 000 per house. This is about 50 per cent cheaper than the traditional way of electricity supply to residential erven as offered by E-Red at approximately N$21 000 per erf, which does not include any electrical installation in the house. As for streetlights, the Swakopmund Council is looking at tenders for the supply of solar street lighting, which need no connection to the power grid. A solar streetlight consists of a pole equipped with a solar panel, battery, daylight switch and the light itself.

The Council has recommended that a solar appliance company erect samples for a trial period.