Solar power has huge potential in the developing African nation of Tanzania. Not only do just 15% of the population have access to electricity, but the nation ranks as one of the top ten countries in the world for solar irradiation levels.
Camco International has announced it will help drive uptake of solar panel systems in Tanzania after winning a USD $4.7 million contract to bring solar power to rural communities living off the mains electricity grid in the Kigoma region.
In what will be Tanzania’s largest ever solar installation programme, Camco, along with joint venture partner and local solar contractor Rex Investment Ltd (RIL), will provide solar power for 45 secondary schools, 10 health centres, 120 dispensaries, municipal buildings and businesses across 25 village market centres.
The contract was awarded by U.S. foreign aid body Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which recognises the importance of renewable energy to Tanzania’s fast-growing population.
As part of the tender, Camco says community households will be encouraged to participate in buyers groups to cut the cost of installing rooftop solar power systems on their homes under a programme called "PV Clusters." By purchasing solar energy systems in bulk, locals can cut the cost of installing solar on their homes.
"We are delighted that the MCC has recognized the positive impact small-scale solar installations can have on rural off-grid communities in Tanzania," said Jeff Felton, managing director of Camco, Tanzania. "While industrialized countries are trying to rethink or refit their old coal-fired plants, much of Africa could potentially leapfrog that stage and move straight to renewable energy generation."
The Kigoma project is expected to begin in May this year and is due to finish in 2013. RIL founder and managing director Francis Kibhisa said the joint venture model could pave the way for future off-grid solar energy programmes throughout Africa.
"The primary goal of the joint venture is to promote the use of solar PV by municipal organizations and commercial businesses in rural communities throughout Tanzania, many of which do not currently have access to the electricity grid."
