It is one thing to build and install the SOL5 solar concentrator, but it’s another one to use it. Knowing this, we did our best to train the community businesses in Kenya where we’ve installed our SOL5 models in April/May. Now it has been four months since we’ve left Kenya, but with the usage reports we’re getting from the field we are confident to say: The SOL5 is used and useful, generates income, and supports the entrepreneurs.
SOL5 Pilot Field Data
Below are the key metrics of the field data generated over the last months. Much potential exists to improve these metrics, especially focusing around the issue of effective use that we’ll cover in another post.
SOL5 Oven - Bakery Business
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity use / year | 11400 kWh | 3400 kWh |
| Electricity cost / year | 990 € | 297 € |
| CO2 emissions / year | 6850 kg | 2055 kg |
Above are the key metrics from our pilots showing how much money the entrepreneurs save each month using the SOL5. In addition to the money, the businesses reported that they now produce more, at higher quality and with healthier working conditions.
More productive: The bakery was suffering from frequent power cuts. Sometimes it was impossible to bake without electricity, and sometimes an oven would stop working midway and the bread batch was lost. Now, with the SOL5 Oven, they do not depend on the unstable electricity grid anymore and are producing more.
Better quality: The roastery reported that with the SOL5 the peanuts do not get the smoky taste that they used to get with their previous charcoal roasters. Now, without the smoky taste they have a higher quality produce.
Better working conditions: When using charcoal and firewood as fuel, smoke is a big factor affecting worker’s heath. The ladies at the roasting business are pleased that there is no unhealthy smoke emission with the SOL5.
...And all of this while making monthly savings and reducing CO2 emissions.
More than ever are we convinced that GoSol’s SOL5 is a changemaker technology. Stay tuned!
