Namene Solar Zimbabwe’s groundbreaking carbon venture has been recognised as the “Best Rural Electrification Project” at the second edition of the Solar Week Zimbabwe conference and awards, an event organized by SolarQuarter in November 2023 to promote solar energy in Zimbabwe and foster connections between industry professionals and stakeholders.
The Namene Solar Lights Distribution Programme Southern African Countries- Zimbabwe project has been designed to provide clean sources of lighting by distributing ultra-affordable pico-solar lights to rural households.
The programme is a private-sector initiative led by Namene Solar Lights, a UK-based company. Supported by private investment and market-based environmental financing mechanisms, the project aims to bring affordable and sustainable solar lighting to rural communities in Southern Africa.
By leveraging market forces and innovative financing mechanisms, the project seeks to rapidly expand its reach and provide much-needed access to clean energy for underserved populations. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, particularly SDG 7, which calls for ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Since the Zimbabwe carbon project launched in 2022, Namene has distributed over 100,000 solar lights to families and communities in rural areas of Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Masvingo provinces. These solar lights have had a life-changing impact on the people who have received them.
But, what was the key to Namene winning the award?
Receiving the award, Country Director Jackson Godfrey Mungoni pointed out that collaboration with community-based agents is critical and mutually beneficial.
“The Namene team is thrilled to have been recognized for our work, which wouldn’t be possible without our community-based agents and partners who distribute our solar lights to the last-mile customers,” he indicated.
These individuals, deeply embedded in their respective communities, play a pivotal role in ensuring last-mile delivery, bridging the gap between the organisation’s supply and the communities’ demand.
With their local knowledge and established relationships, community-based agents navigate the complexities of rural landscapes, reaching even the most remote households. They educate potential customers about the benefits of solar lights, dispel misconceptions and facilitate the adoption of this transformative technology.
Their efforts extend beyond mere product distribution; they provide ongoing support, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the optimal functioning of the solar lights. This commitment to after-sales service fosters trust and loyalty among the beneficiaries, reinforcing Namene’s impact and sustainability.
Before the project, many families in rural areas relied on kerosene lamps and candles for light. These sources of light are expensive, dangerous, and pollute the environment. The solar lights supplied by Namene Solar are clean safe and affordable.
The solar lights are not only built to endure, resisting solid objects over 1.0 mm and water splashes from any direction, but they have also garnered recognition for their exceptional quality and accessibility. Through the issuance of Gold Standard certified Verified Emissions Reductions (VERs), these lights are offered at a remarkable 60 to 70 percent discount off the retail price, making them attainable for all. The savings can be used to purchase more clean technologies.
This commitment to affordability has propelled Namene to a commanding 90 percent market share in the Pico lights market across Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, where their initial carbon projects have been successfully implemented.
The range of products includes the SM200 solar light, portable Zafi solar chargers and power banks.
Powered by the sun’s energy, the portable Zafi Solar Charger ensures phones and other 5v USB-A devices stay charged. With a mere 5 hours of charging time, users can maintain their connectivity with family, friends and the broader digital sphere, even in remote or off-grid areas. Additionally, a 2-year warranty provides peace of mind, assuring that the Zafi Solar Charger is built to endure.
With three brightness settings, the portable SM200 solar light can provide up to 12 hours of illumination on the lowest setting. Additionally, it includes a flashing SOS mode for emergencies. It also features an adjustable and detachable stand for table tops or hanging on the wall. They can also be turned into head torches, making them perfect for walking, cycling, or commuting. The lamp comes with a two-year warranty.
Namene Solar is committed to ensuring the accuracy and transparency of its carbon credits. They go beyond the requirements of the Gold Standard by conducting more frequent monitoring and surveys, offering longer product warranties, and engaging with customers on an ongoing basis. They use a customized digital tool to collect data at the point of sale, track device usage, and monitor project performance. They also conduct regular customer surveys. Namene is constantly improving its products and has built usage reporting functionality into some of its 2023 models. They partner with organisations that are committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and view carbon credits as a way to complement, not replace actual reductions.
Driven by the resounding success of its carbon project, Namene Solar plans to expand its reach in Zimbabwe, extending its impact to Mashonaland Central, Midlands and Manicaland provinces. This expansion, slated for 2024, marks a significant step forward in the organisation’s mission to empower communities across the nation with clean technology.
Additional project impacts
Light quality – Fossil fuel lamps typically produce 10 lumens of light. Namene solar lights produce 34 lumens.
Education – Extra study hours for children, which supports higher grade attainment.
Health – Better air quality in homes, protecting families’ respiratory systems, and brighter lights that avoid eye strain.
Road accidents – Visibility of pedestrians and cyclists at dusk, dawn and night.
Safety – Fossil fuel lamps are dangerous to ignite and pose poisoning risks to children. Solar lights can also help women be safe when outside at night.
Income generation – Employment opportunities through the project. Extension of the light hours also enables new income-generating activities.
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Text by Perry Kaande