Smart Solar Lighting Applications in Nkuringo, Uganda
Nkuringo, nestled in Uganda’s equatorial region, faces persistent challenges with electricity reliability. Power outages are frequent, and in many rural areas, grid access is either intermittent or completely absent. One of the most pressing issues is the total lack of street lighting, which impacts safety, mobility, and economic activity after sunset. For communities like Nkuringo, sustainable alternatives are not just desirable—they are essential.
Solar lighting offers a practical solution, leveraging the region’s abundant sunlight to provide consistent illumination. Recent initiatives have explored low-cost, locally adaptable technologies to address this need. A notable collaboration involves the University of Chichester in the UK and Nkuringo Education & Community Support (NECS), spearheaded by Dr. Kelvin Anoh, a Senior Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Dr. Anoh has developed an innovative device that repurposes waste materials—specifically 2-litre soda bottles—into functional smart solar lighting units. This approach not only reduces plastic waste but also creates affordable lighting options for households and public spaces.
The concept is simple yet transformative: the bottles act as diffusers for solar-powered LEDs, providing bright, energy-efficient light without reliance on the erratic grid. With Internet of Things (IoT) technology integrated into the design, users can remotely monitor, control, and manage the Smart Solar Lights. Such solutions are particularly impactful in equatorial regions like Uganda, where solar irradiance remains high year-round.
Beyond technical innovation, this project underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling energy poverty. By combining local needs with global expertise, Nkuringo is taking steps toward safer streets, improved education opportunities after dark, and enhanced community well-being—all powered by the Sun.
The collaboration is between NECS and the University of Chichester, focusing on leveraging academic expertise and practical implementation to drive innovation and sustainability. As part of this initiative, we will explore the possibility of assembling these units locally in Nkuringo, using cost-optimized special designs provided by the University of Chichester. This approach aims to:
· Reduce production costs through tailored design efficiencies.
· Create local employment opportunities by establishing assembly operations.
· Seed the emergence of potentially profitable business activities in Nkuringo, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.
· Encourage knowledge transfer between academic and local communities, supporting long-term sustainability.
To find out more about our support for NECS, please see here https://www.medisort.co.uk/medisort-necs/
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