Harold Yusuf Asman
3 May 2008
opinion
Arusha — Tanzania is an ideal environment for solar power generation as the sun shines strongly for an average of 5 hours per day in most regions throughout the year.
A solar power system can be used in areas where there is no mains power to provide sufficient power to run domestic lights, fridges, radios, computers and solar water heater systems.
Power backup system can be useful in places where there is electricity instead of using generator as standby power because the system is clean, quiet and reliable. During power failure the inverter charger quietly powers computers, televisions, VCR, satellite stations and mobile communication repeaters, as soon as the grid power comes back the system recharges for the next black out.
All is happening without you even noticing - whether in the office, In front of your computer or at home in front of your television. Power back up can be installed indoor, they require no fuel, no maintenance, and no spare parts with little service cost.
The complete automatic operation of such systems allows you to never have to switch anything on and off like you would with generator yet even compared with very expensive auto start generators these power inverters are cheaper to install with zero running costs these have helped banks, security companies, dental clinics, Airline companies etc.
Wind Generators
Wind generators can supply clean and reliable power to lights, water pumping system, computers, photocopies and most other electrical appliances when combined with quality components and design. Wind systems enhance output to satisfy most power needs in a cost effective way. Whenever there is a constant flow of wind even if for few hours during the day or at night, it is ideal for households, tourists campsite, hotels, telecommunication stations etc. With wind power system no power is lost during day or at night because they include wind generators, inverters, solar batteries that serve the energy to be utilized when low wind prevails. The wind systems come in different sizes and ratings suitable for all applications and budgets.
Solar water pumping systems are not only low cost but possibly the only way some people in rural areas can get water to satisfy their needs. The E-Pump, pumping system with only solar modules or a standard - E pump with a wind generator are all you need, Batteries and inverters are not required, water is pumped from dawn to sunset on during a wind right from very low rugged conditions.
Urban and Rural sustainable solar energy provision usually requires substantial up front investments, the cost of connection per customer is still high due to high prices of solar modules and their accessories. Much support is needed from the government "Tanzanians need megawatts and not megasounds" -
Harold Yusuf Asman is a Renewable energy co-oridinator.
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