Residential Solar Lighting Project

As a result of the community-based solar lighting project in August 2009, Kuwasha and the local community developed a plan to implement Residential Solar Lighting Project in the Masurura village. The project aims to introduce solar powered WLED (White Light Emitting Diode) systems in over 200 homes. The system will comprise of a 14 Wp solar panel that will enable the villagers to illuminate their homes, charge their mobile phones and power a small radio.

Kuwasha has adopted a microfinance model that was developed and successfully implemented by UNDP as a pilot project in Mwanza, a city about 2.5 hours drive away from the village. The project will make use of local Savings & Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) that will enable villagers to buy solar lighting units on credit, gradually paying off the loan over a course of 6-12 months. The Masurura village government is currently in the process of setting up its own local SACCOS for farmers. Kuwasha is working with the local government to help set up the SACCOS successfully and use it as a platform to implement its Residential Solar Lighting Project. Kuwasha is also in the process of obtaining support from the Rural Energy Agency (REA) that aims to stimulate the spread of off-grid electricity in Tanzania. Subsides obtained from REA will help lower the overall costs of the solar systems, making them more affordable