The important place of solar energy on smallholder farms

Azuri Technologies is a solar power company working with farmers, among other members of communities. Brian Okinda spoke to Simon Bransfield Garth, Azuri’s CEO on the place of solar power on the farm

A huge population of Kenyans have no electricity, especially in rural areas where most people are subsistence farmers. Solar energy comes in handy but what is its place on the farm?

Having solar energy at home changes the way farmers work in the fields to produce food.

They can take advantage of all the available hours of daylight working outside, not having to rush home to complete chores before it gets dark.

This helps boost productivity and allows them to finish tasks faster.

Solar system further allows farmers to ensure their mobile phones are fully charged, therefore they can regularly call to determine the best market prices, or even use their smartphones to get tips and advice on how to farm more efficiently.

The solar system also means farmers can listen to radio in the fields all day long, making the hard work just that little bit easier.

In terms of illumination of different farm structures such as poultry sheds, livestock shelters, and for general farm security, what do farmers need?

Use of solar-powered lights in the poultry shed makes the chickens lay more eggs since light is necessary in egg production.

At the cow shed, the extra security solar lights provide is valuable.

What is the role of Azuri in ensuring farmers live quality lives with the help of its products?

Most of our customers are farmers, and there are many advantages of having an Azuri home solar system.

The benefits of having light include better environmental and physical health (no more need for kerosene), children can study longer, there is increased security and better time enrichment.

And there are significant longer-term benefits that come from being connected via solar.

These are solar-powered radio, TVs and mobile phones.

One of hindrances in acquisition of solar power are expensive gadgets? Have you made it easier for farmers to acquire your products?

Since our home solar products are built to the highest standards using the latest technology and designed to last for years, they may be expensive for many people to buy outright.

But our model makes it affordable for as many people as possible.

Customers pay Sh340 per week for 82 weeks to unlock the system and benefit from the solar energy stored in the battery.

The first top up is Sh1,360 to cover four weeks then the customer has the freedom to choose between weekly or monthly instalments on a regular basis making payment via mobile phone.

This way, the benefits of solar are available at an affordable price. At the end of the customer’s contract payment term, the system belongs to them and they have free solar energy for the lifetime of the product.
Some farmers play music for their animals or let them watch TV for more milk production. Can they use the solar TV for this function?
Using the TV, farmers can invite absolutely anybody they want to listen to or watch the TV.

However, we make no guarantee on the impact of milk production.