Health clinic supplied by Mashaba solar energy
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Authors
Martha Katsi Munyoro
Issue Date
2015-12
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Energy
Alternative Title
Abstract
Mashaba Solar Farm has 400 solar panels that give 99 kw of power. The 144 batteries last for two days when it is cloudy. It supplies two irrigation schemes, a school, clinic, business centers and energy kiosks.This is the largest off-grid solar plant in Zimbabwe. The local community will be charged for their electricity usage, with subsidized rates for the school and health clinic. It is planned to introduce pre-payment meters to aid collection of fees and ensure a fund is built up for maintenance and repair of the system. It is expected to generate a eight to ten year payback on the original costs which can be reinvested into community energy. Practical Action's Sustainable Energy 4 Rural Communities (SE4RC) project is providing access to modern energy services in poor and remote locations in Zimbabwe.