Although Solar Benin Energy (SBE) has not fully rolled out its distribution system, people are hearing about the products, so we have been installing systems on a small scale. We installed two sets of two-light systems in Savalou, for a mechanic whose house was fitted for electricity, complete with light switches, wires, and light bulbs, but who did not have access to the electric current. Only 10% of the population does, but most houses are built fully equipped, in the hopes that one day the government will have the infrastructure to meet the need. We installed two two-light systems, four in all. Each system comes with a phone charger, which is also vital here, where mobile phones are the most common form of communication, business, and entertainment. In the evening we returned, and the lights were so bright that a few of them had to be repositioned. Everyone was very happy.
Next we went to Bohicon, to install a two-light system for a family there. The son became very excited about the whole project, and wanted to install the lights himself so he could be an installer for future light systems in Bohicon. We talked to the father, who was also intrigued, and who wanted to be a sales agent for Bohicon. He called us back later the same day and said that he had already found 25 people in Bohicon who wanted to buy systems!
After Bohicon came Glo, a smaller town, where we first went to a Catholic school, L’École Sainte-Marcelle, who wanted two two-light systems for its dormitories. We also were going to install a seven-lamp system, but the client was away so instead we showed another young man how to install the lights, so that he could be an installation agent in Glo. In this way, the system can become self-sustaining, with local people in the villages able to serve their own community.
What was most striking traveling through Benin was that even the most casual conversations with people along our way excited interest when SBE came up. We passed a toll agent on the road, who stopped us and at first was rather stern, but when he found out what we were doing became very animated. Power cuts at the toll station were frequent, and everyone was immensely frustrated. Solar powered lights would be perfect. He was not the only one. When the battery in the car died, the mechanic who came wanted to be a sales agent for Allada, his town. A woman who rode part of the way with us also complained about the constant power outages, and took a flyer. There is clearly such a widespread need and demand for it, both with those who are lucky enough to have electricity, and those who do not. It was amazing that even in chance meetings, everyone seemed to see the utility of solar energy.
Author: Idun Klakegg
SBE-Gratos: Solar Energy for Benin, West Africa 