Mobisol, a Germany-based solar power provider launched a campaign aimed at connecting households in Bugesera with solar energy. During the launch, the Minister for Infrastructure, Prof. Silas Lwakabamba said given the current settlement patterns in the country, funding challenges and generation shortfalls, the extension of the national grid to different parts of the country will not be possible in the next five to 10 years. “We, therefore, consider off grid energy solutions as key contributors to energy access now and in future,” said Lwakabamba. Thomas Gottshalk, the General Manager, Mobisol, said only a small percentage of the rural population in Rwanda has access to electricity “and we are convinced that off grid electrification will play a very prominent role in electrifying households lacking access.” Mobisol provides clean, robust and reliable electricity backed by extended warranty and service as well as affordable payment plan, he said. Francine Nikuze, a beneficiary from Mobisol solar system said the system is good and easy to use as even the low income earners will be able to access it. She added that it will also help her children do homework at night. The systems are categorised into four options and one pays according to the number of watts they want to consume, ranging from 30 watts to 200 watts and a household can get the system on a loan which they can service within a period of three years. Government plans to have at least 70 per cent of the households in the country access electricity by 2017.
