The global solar power industry is dominated by rooftop solar systems, ground mounted solar parks and other commercial and industrial installations. But some companies also support the development of solar power in the market where it first began in rural communities without power or water.
Tenesol has become an industry leader in delivering solar power to isolated locations, the majority of which are in developing countries. Its work with organisations and charities has produced 4,000 water pumping systems delivering around 80,000 m3 of water per day and rural electrification systems that bring power to more than 20,000 people worldwide. Such systems give local economies a boost, enhance communities and improve lives.
The Solar Mission Project 2011
In Madagascar, a market Tenesol has worked in since 1997, the companys latest development is The Solar Mission Project. This five week project will bring clean drinking water to five isolated communities in the west of the country for the first time and for free.
As with many developing countries, the majority of the population do not have access to clean drinking water. For Madagascar this means 70 percent of the 18 million population.
Solar energy is a life-giving technology that can improve the welfare and education of a countrys population, says Benoit Rolland, managing director of Tenesol. It can supply power to local electricity grids or be an effective, self-sustained electricity source that produces light and water. We have delivered solar systems in off-grid, isolated locations for years. Such systems are effective, reliable and, once installed, indispensible.
Each of the five villages involved have previously received a rural electrification system from Tenesol.
From conception to installation
Back in 2010, Tenesol wanted to use its experience to help the Malagasy population. In partnership with ASA, a leading association that specialises in the improvement of isolated communities, the Solar Mission Project was created.
In June 2011, the first PV system under the new project was installed. Situated in Ampasimpotsy to the east of Antananarivo, the system pumps fresh drinking water from depths of 40 m up to the surface. Powering the system, which can deliver around 5,000 litres of clean drinking water per day, are three 135 Wp PV modules from Tenesol. The water is used immediately or stored for consumption later.
Until now the only option for the community was to get water from the rice fields, water that is unsafe to drink and has major health implications, says Vololona Razafindrainibe of ASA Madagascar. The hot climate worsens the issue. Children often cannot go to school because it is too hot and they cannot drink safe water, which may lead to illness. These systems change all that and put life back into our communities.
Each of the five systems being installed takes one week to build. The pro bono work is being carried out by volunteers from Tenesol who are using their own holiday to complete the project.
As the first drops of clean water started to flow, one volunteer said there was a real sense of excitement in the community and the emotional moment will be remembered forever.
Power to the people
Before installing the water pumping systems, Tenesol previously equipped each of the five villages in the Solar Mission Project with a rural electrification system. The systems provide electricity to these isolated communities for the first time. The electricity is mostly used to power lights and refrigerators (in hospitals especially).
Before solar energy was installed here, we used oil lamps and torches to work with, says Dr Nathalie, chief medical officer at the local dispensary. Now, when a patient comes in at night for treatment, having light makes our job much easier. It's like working in a small town, rather than in the bush.
Trained to last
Simple maintenance is crucial to ensuring a solar system operates at its peak performance and efficiency. Tenesol provides training on the maintenance and basic repair of the system to the villagers. This gives the community a sense of ownership and improves their overall independence and self-sufficiency.
Remote delivery
Rural locations are often remote. Accessing such areas carrying PV panels, water pumps and installation structures can often prove difficult. The climate can also be a challenge. Tenesol draws on all its available resources and experience to reach end-users. On a recent rural electrification project in Morocco, the company outlined a detailed transport plan using a variety of methods including journeying part of the way by donkey.
Solar energy is a versatile solution to the worlds water and electricity needs, says Eloi Rakotoarisoa, managing director of Tenesol Madagascar. The technology can be implemented across the globe and make a real difference to peoples lives fast. We look forward to working in the next village and seeing the life-changing effects a simple solar system can have.
