SolarNow, a company providing solar home systems and income generating appliances, has raised €150,000 in just 18 hours on the Dutch crowdfunding platform Lendahand to buy an additional container of around 250 solar home systems to meet the growing demand in Uganda.

SolarNow’s systems consist of solar panels, batteries and a broad range of appliances, including lights, radios, televisions, fridges, and irons, among others. Around 65% of the systems are used for household purposes such as lighting, entertainment and cooling. The rest are used by businesses, schools and clinics to extend opening hours, power small appliances, cool medicines, etc.

The systems are modular, meaning they can be upgraded over time and cost between $340 and $850, repayable in 24 months, hence increasing their affordability.

These systems are increasingly popular in off-grid areas, as they enable rural households to reduce their energy costs, improve access to information, charge their phones, watch television and connect to the internet. They also enable small businesses to increase their productivity and income.

This campaign was supported by UK Aid via Energy 4 Impact’s Crowd Power programme, with €22,500 match funding.