A network of community solar lighting systems to facilitate access to electricity in Casamance

In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 620 million out of 800 million inhabitants did not have access to electricity in 2017. This energy divide is a major obstacle to development and the fight against inequalities in the region. Sunna Design has developed a photovoltaic solution capable of providing lighting to entire villages. The company finances and operates a network of community solar lighting systems that deliver essential energy services by combining public lighting with domestic electrification solutions.

The FFEM supports the deployment of the NANOGRID system in Senegal through the Climate Innovation Facility for the private sector. This pilot project in Casamance aims to demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of the NANOGRID system and to test it under real-life conditions in order to refine and adapt it. Ultimately, the system could be scaled up and deployed more broadly across off-grid areas of Senegal.

The project is implemented in five phases:

• Identification of beneficiary villages and contracting with customers
  Selection of around ten priority villages in consultation with local authorities, followed by the signing of agreements with the clients.
• Production and installation of the solution, along with comprehensive customer training
  This includes training on the offer, payment methods, and proper use of the equipment.
• Operation of the solution through a local network of distributors
  Ensuring local economic integration and service proximity.
• Maintenance and servicing of the equipment at no additional cost to users
  Guaranteeing reliability and sustainability of the service.
• Monitoring and analysis of customer needs through satisfaction surveys
  The data collected will be used to adjust the offer both technically and commercially.

• Diversification of Casamance’s energy mix.
• Reduction of household energy bills by approximately 15% to 20%, along with an improvement of their environmental footprint.
• Reduction of health risks associated with the use of polluting lighting sources.
• Facilitation of the development of domestic, commercial, and artisanal activities.

This project offers an innovative energy access solution based on the technological performance of the NANOGRID system, which also boasts exceptional durability, adapted to local environmental constraints. The offer is built around a Pay-As-You-Go financial model. Moreover, the technology has a low environmental impact thanks to the use of LED bulbs with downward-directed light flux. In the long term, this technology is designed to evolve to meet the aspirations of rural populations in emerging and developing countries to access the digital revolution and domestic comfort.