Alternative Energy Zambia: Solar Power for Rural Electrification

One hundred and twenty one community-based organisations and nine schools in rural areas of Zambia will soon be getting BP Solar panels to generate electricity for lighting, radio, television and refrigeration. The panels will be supplied by BP Solar which has been awarded a contract by the Zambia Social Investment Fund. BP Solar is one of the world's largest solar companies and has manufacturing facilities in the United States of America, Spain, India and Australia.

Arnaud Mine, CEO of Apex-BP Solar, said: "This project is another example of the part solar energy is called on to play in sustainable development in Africa. It combines environmental, economic and social considerations, while obviating the need to set up capital-intensive infrastructure in the regions concerned. The same technology is already available in Europe for more specific applications."

The project will produce a peak power of approximately 250 kilowatts (kWp).