Mona Mwanza Solar Photovoltaic

ENERGY:

Solar

Family Business Provides Clean Energy to Over 3,000 Rural Households in Tanzania

As the second largest city in Tanzania, Mwanza has a surprisingly low 5.9% electrification rate with no plans for national grid extension. Small diesel generators remain the primary supplier of minute quantities of electricity to remote regions. When captive diesel generation is absent, the households rely on kerosene and wood for lighting. This results in a desperate need for alternative electricity in the Lake Region.

Mona Mwanza Solar Photovoltaic (Mona) is a successful and sustainable business providing Solar Home Systems to rural households in the northern Lake Region of Tanzania.

Established in 1998 by local entrepreneur Mohammed Parpia and his family, Mona targets the large market for solar generated electricity in an area completely underserved by the national grid. Mona helps satisfy this need by selling solar home systems.

Impact:

Renewable energy to over 3,000 households in rural Tanzania.
Employment for over 25 technicians.
A predicted reduction of approximately 29,000 tons of carbon dioxide over the next 20 years.
Reduced respiratory and eye problems associated with continued reliance on kerosene for lighting.

We were able to assist Mona with its transition from electrical supply company to solar PV wholesaler through significant business development services. Mona received the International Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy in 2007.