Solar Giraffe in Niassa and Inhambane

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Introduction

The Solar Giraffe is developed and implemented by the Carlos Morgado Foundation. The pilot project was installed in Mangunze, Gaza. The three new Solar Giraffes were installed in Niassa and Inhambane Provinces in partnership with local governments and financed by Irish Aid . The team continued to count as stakeholders, MWE - Mozambique Women of Energy as a community engagement agent focused on training in renewable energy and energy transition, while Logos Industries continued as a consultant and supplier of the solar system. For more information, visit: girafasolar.carlosmorgado.org with an interactive map developed by Mappitall.

• Project Period: Dec 2021- Dec 2022
• Total financing: 50000 EUROS
• Beneficiaries: Communities of Malica, District of Lichinga and Mepelia, District of Marrupa while in the Province of Inhambane, the beneficiary community was Cupo, District of Funhalouro.

Context and Proposed Solution

In Malica, District of Lichinga, Niassa, a resettlement neighborhood for internally displaced people from the conflict in Cabo Delgado with an emphasis on Makonde ethnic population, the installation had the support of six (6) community members. Four (4) public lighting poles were also installed at this location. In Mepelia, District of Marrupa, Niassa, another resettlement neighborhood, mainly for displaced population from the District of Mecula, Niassa. This installation was supported by eight (8) community members. In Cupo, District of Funhalouro, Inhambane, a remote community without access to electricity, the installation was supported by four (4) community members. Both provinces are direct partners of the funder and the sites were chosen by the provincial governments.

Solar Giraffe is an autonomous solution that brings community members together and, while waiting for their cell phones to be charged, they discuss community issues and challenges under a covered space.

It consists of a structure that supports photovoltaic panels and a roof to create the community space. The solar system feeds a technical cabinet, under the roof, which offers 10 mobile charging sockets and a radio player. All other systems are installed to support and protect the electrical system and its users. In the future, more plug-in-play solutions can be added, for example, Internet hotspot, television, computer and others.