Local firm unveils home-made solar energy device

Government efforts to increase the development of clean energy have been boosted by the launch of a locally-made mobile solar cell phone charging device. The product unveiled by A.R.E.D, Kigali-based local company dealing in renewable energy products, can charge up to 16 phones at ago. It does not only rely on solar power, but is also fitted with a manual energy alternator that works as a substitute during emergencies. “The fact that this mobile energy device has zero emissions and is made of material that can be recycled does not only make it environmentally-friendly, but also convenient for everyone,” points out Henri Nyakarundi, the device designer and founder of A.R.E.D. The 40-watt system took three years to develop. It is especially designed for Rwandans living in areas that are not connected to the national power grid or without regular access to electricity. Those in busy areas like marketplaces or car parks can use it.To ensure that the system benefits the population, the company is partnering with the National Youth Centre and will lease out the mobile energy units to 200 unemployed youth countrywide to help them start up small enterprises. “This won’t only improve access to clean energy in the country, but will also steer the entrepreneurship and innovation drives,” he added.However, Nyakarundi pointed out that the delay by the city of Kigali (CoK) to give them clearance to start the training and supplying the units to interested people was holding back the project. Recently, MTN, one of the leading mobile telecom operators in the country, launched a similar portable multipurpose solar energy gadget dubbed “Comeka ReadySet”.The development is set to improve energy access in the country, with the general energy supply countrywide standing at only 16 per cent today.