Tommy Fernandes: “Adopt a family, or, why not: a village!“

Solar power changes lives!

Supplying electricity to African families literally means giving power to lead better lives. Two years ago, Tommy Fernandes started a not-for-profit organization that supplies solar power systems to rural villages and semi-urban townships in South Africa. With donations of private investors, service clubs like Rotary and companies, Tommy’s initiative is literally bringing light to families in South Africa.

In the small village of Nobody (that is the real name) in Polokwane (Limpopo), some 50 families recently heard a knock on their doors. In came a technician with solar panels, power switches and other components. After a few hours of work, it was time for the official moment. Click… lights on! A truly important moment in Nobody, thanks to the work of Tommy Fernandes of Norway, who in 2009 formed Solenergi Uten Grenser (Solar Energy Unlimited). The money to provide 50 households in Nobody with solar power – a total sum of € 16,000 – came from the Rotary Club of Maridalen (Oslo), close to Fernandes’ hometown Vettre - Asker.

Millions of Africans live their lives without electricity. When the sun sets, their only light comes from candles, expensive battery lights or kerosene lamps that are not exactly beneficial to health. No light, does not just mean inconvenience; it also hinders development, because children cannot do their homework or read a book in poor light conditions. Changing these conditions is what Fernandes set out to do when he left his job at a Norwegian solar energy company to set up his Solenergi Uten Grenser.

Direct way to contribute

“Adopting a family or a whole village for the installation of solar power systems is probably the most direct way to contribute to the lives of the villagers of Nobody”, Fernandes explains. One system for one family costs € 250; the electricity that comes from the solar panels is only 50 watts, enough to supply power for three lights, one radio and to charge a mobile phone.

Fernandes, who has also completed one-time projects in providing decentralised energy for schools and water pumping in Uganda and India: “The solar systems (SHS) were and are part of a large concession that was initiated and administered by the South African government, giving electricity to thousands of families. Unfortunately the government cut the funding and the project stopped. But I could not let the people down. So I just continued, working with funding from all directions and having used solar power systems installed from areas that have been connected to the grid. As before, maintenance is done by electricians from the local partner of SolarVision.”

Not for free

Tommy Fernandes points out that the solar systems benefit families in areas that will not have regular power grids. “They would not be able to afford electricity from a power grid. The fee they pay for servicing of the solar system they get from us, equals the amount of money they would normally spend on kerosene, candles and batteries. This is important: they are not receiving it for free, they pay what they can pay.” So far Tommy’s organisation has provided solar systems at 70 homes, besides gas cookers or seshas to more 20 families.  As long as the money comes in, I will continue. So to all Club Africa readers that want to contribute from a CSR or a humanitarian perspective: adopt a family or a village. Bring light to South Africa!”

What is your opinion on the importance of supplying solar power to African families? 

Read more Biz4Biz articles:

• Read about ´Shake The World´: Helping women in KwaZulu-Natal
• Read about MKI: Bringing health education to townships in S-A
• The SOVEC Fund invests finances or expertise in African SME’s

Main menu

• Home
• Business
• Travel
• Inspire
• MyClub

Subnavigatie

• Expert Opinion
• Member Stories
• Biz4Biz
• Promote your business
• BizNews