ASSESSING THE PUBLIC LIGHTING WITH SOLAR PANELS IN THE SUB SAHARAN COUNTRIES IN AFRICA: YAOUNDE CASE STUDY

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1 ASSESSING THE PUBLIC LIGHTING WITH SOLAR PANELS IN THE SUB SAHARAN COUNTRIES IN AFRICA: YAOUNDE CASE STUDY Dr Joseph Kenfack, Dr Antoine AMIE ASSOUH, Mr Desiré BIYO O OLINGA

2 INTRODUCTION Located in central Africa, Cameroon offers a wealth of solar power opportunity.

3 SOLAR POTENTIAL IN CAMEROON

4 This important potential is still suffering from poor development. solar installations are ongoing in many sectors, The case study of the public lighting in the capital city Yaounde is an example of solar energy promotion. photovoltaic-powered public-lighting will be boosted in the city with the upcoming projects.

5 Methodology show availability of primary solar energy sources Assessment of two solar projects (public lightning) Lessons learned The way forward Identify actions for improved access to sustainable, friendly, affordable solar energy services identify obstacles for the promotion of solar energy and hence better contribute to fight against climate change.

6 SOLAR POTENTIAL IN CAMEROON The lowest daily mean radiation ranges from around 4 kwh/day/m² (wet forest) to above 8kWh (dry desert in Chad)

7 Yearly mean radiation

8 EARTH (AFRICA) AT NIGHT

9 This important potential is still suffering from poor development up to the point where the country is still abundantly using the fossil energy as main power source. The main cause of the poor use of solar energy is the poor commitment and dedication of government who has not taken the necessary measures to boost the sector. Because of power shortage in the country, solar energy is sometimes envisaged for electricity production even in a grid connected environment. This is the case in Yaounde City Council where some pilot projects have been developed for public lighting. The government intend to ensure that public lighting and traffic light control are permanently operational on some sensitive ways.

10 PILOT PROJECTS CASE STUDIES First project 10 lighting points designed according to the diagram below Solar panel Automatic Charge control Light sensor control Battery Lamp

11 Barriers to solar energy and efficient energy implementation Solar energy technologies remain expensive (high capital costs), compared to firewood, charcoal, petrol and gas energy supplies, Poor long period support of solar energy projects (till reaching profitability) Lack of consumer awareness on benefits and opportunities of solar energy solutions. Poor decentralized solutions for energy services (generation, distribution ) Financial, legal, regulatory and organizational barriers Lack of specific access to key solar energy infrastructure such as the national electricity grid, Poor availability of funds for development of renewable energy Poor organization and sector institutions

12 FIRST DESIGN based on 10 standalone systems Lamps power 11 Watts, Solar panel of 80 Wp each with no incliation, 150 Ah lead acid battery, Controller 10A, 12V and a light sensor.

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14 AFTER A FEW MONTHS After a few months, system was no more running Batteries were almost empty. Some light sensors were no more operating. The solar panels were progressively being covered by dust. The contractor were changed, The design were modified from standalone systems to a PV-mini grid solution with one single solar source and batteries undergrounded

15 SOLAR POWER PLANT (MINI GRID) The system lasted longer, but still unfortunately still went off after 6 months.

16 PILOT PROJECTS CASE STUDIES Project 2 Back to standalone systems with better sizing. Each pole has the following characteristics: luminaire power 45 Watts, solar panel 160 Wp with no inclination, 160 Ah gel cell battery, Controller 10A, 12V and a light sensor. After three years, 28 out of 35 poles are still under operation. The poles were made of welded steel, painted in order to fight against corrosion. This project was considered successful and the government decided to move forward. But from the data above, we realise that there is still room for some optimisation.

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18 PROBLEMS The two projects have faced some common difficulties. Yaounde is very dusty, especially when it is sunny. This seriously affects the efficiency of the solar panel. Optimal operation requires to regularly clean the panels. Poor quality light sensors were also used. The impact was important because some standalone systems were definitely turned off. For the first project, the type of batteries was no recommended. This leaded to premature end of life of the systems.

19 THE WAY FORWARD Because of the success of the second project and the wide range of possibilities for PV-PL in other sensitive areas of the capital city, plans are actively being made for future projects. China has signed an agreement with the Government or Cameroon for the study and installation of hundreds of light points on the Yaounde-Soa highway. This project will alleviate public light electricity bill which is above seventy thousand US$ per month

20 LESSONS LEARNED Components were not properly sized. Type of battery did not match the use. Light sensors were from poor quality. Maintenance should be a key issue to address. Standalone systems appear to be the recommended solution. The issue of using Low-energy equipment like efficient lamps, efficient luminaires were not addressed. It was also possible to use Electronic regulators that adjust the lighting level to the ambient conditions. In its simplest form, the voltage of the solar panels can be used as an indication of lightness or darkness. Time switches could provide stronger lighting in the evening than during the rest of the night in order to save more energy and be more efficient