Solar power takes off in Kenya

I want one of those solar kits!

Yes, this is the point too. We should be able to buy those kits here for the same price. All we get in this country is the run around and propaganda, and those who are poor or lower middle class can't afford to switch, or are tennants in homes and have no power to do so on their own. We need to change that.

It's a national security issue too!

If the power supply is decentralized -- then terrorists can't just blow up one electrical generator and take out a whole city (as they can now)

Nor would a hurrican take out a whole city's electrical grid. Damage in one area wouldn't necessarily effect other areas because they aren't all dependent on one centralized systems.

Nor would you have issues with rolling blackouts because everyone would essentially be producing the bulk of their own power which would take a massive burden of the electrical system.

This seems like an idea whose time has come.

Awesome-

If the powers that be won't do it, WE WILL.

This is a great becon of hope for Africa! Excellent!!

Why are they affordable every where, bu here in america?

Good question. Surely in a capitalist society such as America's where fair competition is encouraged they would most certainly be...

When I was in Kenya last year, plans were being made for a school which included a solar power system. Its not just the cost of the kits, though. Its transportation, man power, distribution, and promotion. All these factors are not insurmountable, but they are realities that need to be taken into consideration to move forward.

For more information on the documentary Im filming in Kenya this summer - which includes the aforementioned school - please visit www.achanceforpeace.com

Asante sana!

Just think how much could be accomplished with more people working on it! I've been to Ghana and there is tremendous need for sustainable energy. Water and air problems abound... but the people there will be much more sensible about adapting "green" technologies than our materialistic society here in the US, where "We just look the other way!" I want a solar kit too? Who is making them?

At least the 'developing' countries and going the right direction. I'm glad they took a look at the 'developed' countries and turned the other way.

I was many times in Kenya, beginning in the early eighties. Already then, a number of hotels in the bush used solar power to heat water for the huts' and tents' showers. British military-like tents, a leftover from the time Kenya was a British colony, that were comparatively luxuriously outfitted with a shower "room" and a toilet at the back of the tent. Sitting in the tent's patio, sipping tea or a sundowner, watching the sun go down, hearing a lion's roar nearby, watching the fireflies dance as night falls, then having a nice hot shower at the back of the tent is a fantastic experience. That was almost twenty-five years ago.

Oil and coal reserves are bound to get exhausted sooner or later so it is good to see that new sources of energy are being explored and put to use.

Vierotchka: That sounds beautiful. I would love to get to Africa someday. It has always been a place that has intrigued and mystified me. I am glad solar is then finally coming full circle there. They made the right first choice.

this is a great story. solar power 4 the people who desperately need it. how long do we in america have to wait 4 this 2 be available for the lower income folks. if they didnt have the bill for electricity they could use the money 4 their families 2 make their lives better. the initial cost might b high but they could reap the benefits in the long run. and isnt going green what we all need to help each other out.?

"No additional monthly charge."
Probably one of the biggest reasons why this technology is not much further along. Solar is great for people but terrible for big energy companies. Hmm.

In Africa it's sunny most of the time so why not us this sun power.This is a good move for Kenya and Africa on a whole if you have alot of something use it.Good Article.

Good news for Kenyans, those of us whom have more than they do, don't really take it that seriously. I talking about the concept of energy. The mere concept of being able to cut on a light switch. Seeing some of these pods, really makes you reflect on the things that you do have. I read this past weekend or so that 100 million residents of the continent of Africa are coming into some issues about food. And let me not forget about the Haitians down there in Central America... People are such a--holes, especially when it comes to giving a darn about the livihood of those in need.

And as I sit here, eating my three squares a day, I myself with my vegatables, and potatoe for dinner. You have to look at yourself in the mirror, and feel a little bit guilty about how things are around this world which we live.

"Solar power is self sufficiency."

It is valuable even if only for this reason. When a limited number of countries/companies hold the bulk of the power to, well, make power, everyone is beholden to them.

But if you allow nations and people more leeway to become self-sufficient in more areas, you give them amazing strength and opportunity.