Rwanda citizens now have the most Affordable Solar Home Systems in Africa, 30% more affordable than in Kenya following the East African nation’s investment in a mega solar project according to the New Times.
Ignite Rwanda project becomes the largest solar power project in East Africa this year, valued to be worth 38 million USD.
Ignite Power, the largest solar financing company in Rwanda has become the fastest scale up in Africa connecting at least 250 homes per day in Rwanda.
“To date with only 7 months into our operation, we managed to install 20,000 Solar Home Systems of 48,000 that have so far been shipped. This means that we have light up the homes of more than 100,000 Rwandans. These are individuals who no longer have to risk their health by using kerosene to light their houses or waste money and time travelling into towns to purchase kerosene or candles or charge their phones and buy radio batteries,” said Yariv Cohen CEO of Ignite Power.
The company targets to connect 30,000 households every quarter in 2017.
“The flexible Pay-As-You-Go model has made it easy for customers to own their Solar Home Systems. The systems come with a 2 year guarantee and unlimited after-sale services. The system consist of four lights that can provide up to 6hours of light, 2 phone charge capability as well as a free radio and is repayable within 24 months. Ignite’s plan for Rwanda is the most affordable in Africa for a 4 light systems, according to the Bloomberg report.” Said the report by New Times
Rwanda’s target is to substantially increase its energy supply from 190 MW in 2016 to 563MW in 2018. Rwanda has a goal of bringing electricity to 70 percent of households by 2018, an increase from about 20 percent in 2014.
