Thursday, 13 March 2014

Businesses in Uganda should adopt solar energy for stable power supply


Heavy reliance on hydro-power has seen most households, businesses and institutions such as hospitals continue to suffer load-shedding as a result of power supply shortages in Uganda.Ugandans need to adopt solar energy systems as this will allow stable power supply to run their businesses, power households, hospitals and schools.
Uganda has an estimated 200MW of solar energy resource (Renewable energy policy 2007) that remains to be put to significant use. Uganda on average receives 325 days of bright sunlight per year which makes it the most abundant renewable energy source available and the potential to power virtually any location in the country.Solar energy is a cheap sustainable power source for many Ugandans as the sun is free and inexhaustible. Solar energy is harvested using photovoltaic panels that convert the sun’s radiation directly into power without affecting the environment (clean) and can generate enough power to light many households in the country.
Current Statistics from Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) indicate that peak demand for power is growing by 15% every year while generation is growing at 4.7%.This ever increasing power damand has resulted into unstable power supplies and shortages in the country that necessitate loadshedding in some areas. Therefore it is vital for Ugandans to adopt solar systems to avoid power blackouts..


Diana TaremwaKarakire


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