Mobisol Rwanda has connected its 10,000th customer, Faustin Misago from Nyamiyumbo in Kirehe District, marking a milestone since it opened shop in the country two years ago. Misago said he is going to use the solar system to power his salon and phone charging businesses. 

The young entrepreneur won a free 200-watt Mobisol system and a 24-inch television from the firm.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mobisol chief operations officer Raoul Ngendahayo said the firm seeks to improve the living standards of Rwandans through provision of affordable and healthier power options. He said Mobisol has helped power homes, businesses and schools, especially in rural Rwanda, previously without electricity. "As a result, customers have been shielded from volatile market forces and the high cost of fossil fuels and therefore improved their economic situation and educational opportunities,” Ngendahayo said.

Rwandans can acquire Mobisol solar home systems through an affordable microfinance installment payment scheme over a three year period with daily remittances of as low as Rwf399.

Customers own the system upon completion of payment. According to Ngendahayo, the product-service package includes comprehensive maintenance support over the payment period and free installation of the system by certified Mobisol technicians.

"Mobisol has integrated their systems with mobile technology to allow for remote system monitoring and for payments which are done using MTN mobile money,” he said.

Mobisol is working in partnership with the government and the European Union to provide rural households, businesses and public institutions with clean, affordable and reliable solar energy, Ngendahayo added.

He said the firm targets to light 49,000 households and 1,000 schools in collaboration with Energy Development Corporation Limited by 2018, under a project co-financed by the European Union and the government.

The government recently unveiled a project (bye bye katadowa, or use of kerosene lamps or candles), where it promotes use of renewable energy sources like solar power and biogas by rural homes.

The argument is that renewable power sources produce cleaner, less noisy and more convenient energy options for Rwandan households.

Constant indoor air pollution from smoky lanterns and noise pollution from diesel generators are considered a health hazard.

Mobisol power solution is, therefore, promoting a healthier and more pleasant living environment for Rwandan households.

"In the coming years, Mobisol plans to reach millions of households in sub-Saharan Africa, which will stimulate economic and social development on the continent besides contributing to global environmental protection,” Ngendahayo said.

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