Uganda’s economy currently depends heavily on the hydro electric power to run companies and small scale businesses. The need for electricity also cuts across to the households in the country. Unfortunately, unstable water levels and bad weather often makes this power system unable to constantly supply the ever increasing demand.
It’s coverage is also limited only in kampala, it’s suburbs and a few other regions.
In remote areas, some public facilities like hospitals and schools lack electricity supply. As a result there is poor service for those in need. “ In health centres. During delivery in maternity, mothers deliver using torches in the mouth because there is no power. At times a mother could contribute 1000 shs for paraffin and a candle prior delivery” Says Kato Joram (Tass employee)
The rising demand for power especially in remote areas calls for Solar power systems
as source of electricity which they can easily have access to. Solar energy is flexible enough to work well in these areas as well as urban places.
Reduces power costs.
Solar energy has a reliable power source: the sun which can never get depleted. This is good news for the manufacturing industries and households who need to cut on power costs.
With the African environment, the sun shines all year long which means there’s a constant supply of solar electricity.
Most businesses need much power supply to run their working machines all day and night, solar systems has capable mini grid storage facilities: that is solar generator that can reserve electricity for future use. This brings down their power consumption cost for they don’t have to pay for electricity each month.
Also, there is no tax on renewable energy because NO ONE owns the sun. For as long as a solar system is in good shape, for the industries and household use, it’s tax free.
Environment-friendly
Many times when dealing with polluting energy giving natural resources like oil or coal, communities within the areas face the threat of hazardous contaminants. These have serious impacts on the environment and people’s health.
The cost of protecting the environment is high. Governments are prompted to issue and invest in safety procedures such as clearing out toxic chemicals.
When caught up in such a situation, clean energy like solar has to be opted for. Solar panels do not emit any toxic chemicals. The environment remains clean for occupation. This way the government authorities do not have to spend money dealing with hazardous diseases and investing in control measures.
China for instance, has made solar investment as one of the clean energy solution to curb air pollution.
When people are health, they can be productive in the economic affairs of the country.
Solar industry boosts employment levels.
It’s not a secret that many Ugandans are unemployed. And such a situation hardly helps the economy. With solar technology, the possibility of minimising unemployment in Uganda brings relief to the economy. This improves on human welfare and brings a whole new wave of employment in the economy.
People can be either directly or indirectly employed in the solar industry. Many can earn wages from solar companies whilst others might prefer working solar teaching and training institutions. Or for merchants, profits from solar products, for example solar torches, cookers, panels, lighting bulbs and so on.
Here, the government earns revenue from this industry through taxes, regardless of profession.