Solar Giraffe in Niassa and Inhambane

chevron_left Back to the Mozambique Solar Hub

chevron_left Back to the Mozambique Off-grid Knowledge Hub

Introduction

The Solar Giraffe is developed and implemented by the Carlos Morgado Foundation. The pilot project was installed in Mangunze, Gaza. The three new Solar Giraffes were installed in Niassa and Inhambane Provinces in partnership with local governments and financed by Irish Aid . The team continued to count as stakeholders, MWE - Mozambique Women of Energy as a community engagement agent focused on training in renewable energy and energy transition, while Logos Industries continued as a consultant and supplier of the solar system. For more information, visit: girafasolar.carlosmorgado.org with an interactive map developed by Mappitall.

Project Period: Dec 2021- Dec 2022
Total financing: 50000 EUROS
Beneficiaries: Communities of Malica, District of Lichinga and Mepelia, District of Marrupa while in the Province of Inhambane, the beneficiary community was Cupo, District of Funhalouro.

Context and Proposed Solution

In Malica, District of Lichinga, Niassa, a resettlement neighborhood for internally displaced people from the conflict in Cabo Delgado with an emphasis on Makonde ethnic population, the installation had the support of six (6) community members. Four (4) public lighting poles were also installed at this location. In Mepelia, District of Marrupa, Niassa, another resettlement neighborhood, mainly for displaced population from the District of Mecula, Niassa. This installation was supported by eight (8) community members. In Cupo, District of Funhalouro, Inhambane, a remote community without access to electricity, the installation was supported by four (4) community members. Both provinces are direct partners of the funder and the sites were chosen by the provincial governments.

Solar Giraffe is an autonomous solution that brings community members together and, while waiting for their cell phones to be charged, they discuss community issues and challenges under a covered space.

It consists of a structure that supports photovoltaic panels and a roof to create the community space. The solar system feeds a technical cabinet, under the roof, which offers 10 mobile charging sockets and a radio player. All other systems are installed to support and protect the electrical system and its users. In the future, more plug-in-play solutions can be added, for example, Internet hotspot, television, computer and others.

Business Model

For users, the services continue to be free, but a pay-as-you-go solution is being studied.

Maintenance and Monitoring of the System

The system requires minimal maintenance due to the superior equipment used and operation is being supported by trained community members who educate about renewable energy and provide assistance to users.

At the moment, no repair services or equipment replacement plans are contemplated. E-waste at the end of the equipment's life cycle will be managed by the organization – removing the equipment from communities.

The system uses a remote monitoring system to analyze energy production and use, while managers quantify users by age and gender while collecting information on the amount and type of cell phones being charged.

Engagement and Impact on the Community

The community was very engaged in the design of the solution and responsible for some key changes that made the project more successful.

In all communities, there was a lot of support from their members, from the final location of the projects including support in logistics and installation of the Solar Giraffes. It is important to have the involvement of community members to create a sense of ownership. Creating slightly different projects with input from members is key too, and this has happened at every installation.

We are charging more than 1200 cellphones a month with estimated 5000 people reached and the Solar Giraffe has become a gathering space for most youth to listen to the radio, and engaging with each other, while waiting for their phones to be charged. At night, because of the public lights installed, the Solar Giraffe becomes a safety beacon for the community.

Challenges and Recommendations

Until now, the biggest challenges have been cases of mobile phone theft. Although there is an individual protection system for cell phones, theft can happen including other types of vandalism. There have never been cases of equipment vandalism. The recommendations are not to worry about the aesthetics of the solution and focus on making them more functional, robust and secure.