Solar Energy Foundation – Ethiopia

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Solar Energy Foundation – Ethiopia

2009

The Solar Energy Foundation (SEF) was established in 2006 by Dr Harald Schützeichel, who had previously established and run a solar business in Germany. It has developed high quality solar-home-systems and solar lanterns for the 10,000-plus villagers living in Rema and Remana Dire, villages in Ethiopia’s northern highlands, five hours’ drive from Addis Ababa. The residents in these areas previously depended on smoky kerosene lamps and candles for their lighting.

Working closely with local government bodies and also the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency, SEF provides not just technology, but also maintenance and a financial structure that means each household can have its own solar-home-system. SEF also provides training for future solar technicians in an International Solar School. Graduates of the scheme have opened four Solar Centres in other areas of Ethiopia with a further 8,500 solar home systems due to be installed by the end of 2009.