{"id":7746,"date":"2022-06-22T14:11:04","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T12:11:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/?p=7746"},"modified":"2022-11-22T10:32:33","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T09:32:33","slug":"green-off-grid-systems-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/peripheral-energy\/green-off-grid-systems-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Green off-grid systems (2)"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"swe-post-header swe-post-header-image-right\"><div class=\"info\"><h1 itemprop=\"headline\">Green off-grid systems (2)<\/h1><div class=\"subtitle\">Clean electricity at last for more than a billion people?<\/div><div class=\"blog-tags\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/tag\/climate-change\/\" rel=\"tag\" class=\"tag\">#Climate and change<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/tag\/peripheral-energy\/\" rel=\"tag\" class=\"tag\">#Peripheral energy<\/a><\/div><div class=\"boxes\"><div class=\"wpulike sonnenallee-display wp_ulike_general_class\"><div class=\"grid\"><div class=\"count-box\"><span class=\"count-box\">1<\/span><\/div><div class=\"symbol\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"time\">6 Min.<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"preview\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1205x636_Header_OFFGRID.jpg\"\/><div class=\"boxes callout\"><button class=\"share\">Share<\/button>    <div class=\"wpulike  sonnenallee-interactive\"><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_not_liked\"><button type=\"button\"\n                    data-ulike-id=\"7746\"\n                    data-ulike-nonce=\"bfb78b1eaf\"\n                    data-ulike-type=\"post\"\n                    data-ulike-template=\"sonnenallee-interactive\"\n                    data-ulike-display-likers=\"0\"\n                    data-ulike-likers-style=\"popover\"\n                    class=\"wp_ulike_btn wp_ulike_put_text wp_post_btn_7746\"><span>Like<\/span>            <\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\t<\/div><div class=\"av-share-box hidden callout\"><div class=\"share-content\"><span class=\"close\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/enfold-child_sonnenallee\/images\/icons\/kreuz-dunkel.svg\"\/><\/span><h1>Share article<\/h1><h2>How do you want to share the article?<\/h2><ul class=\"av-share-box-list noLightbox\"><li class=\"av-share-link av-social-link-mail\"><a aria-label=\"mail\" href=\"mailto:?body=https%3A%2F%2Fsonnenallee.sma.de%2Fen%2Fperipheral-energy%2Fgreen-off-grid-systems-2%2F&amp;subject=Green%20off-grid%20systems%20%282%29\" title target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/themes\/enfold-child_sonnenallee\/images\/mail.png\"\/><span class=\"avia_hidden_link_text\">mail<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"av-share-link av-social-link-facebook\"><a aria-label=\"Facebook\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsonnenallee.sma.de%2Fen%2Fperipheral-energy%2Fgreen-off-grid-systems-2%2F&amp;t=Green%20off-grid%20systems%20%282%29\" title target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/themes\/enfold-child_sonnenallee\/images\/facebook.png\"\/><span class=\"avia_hidden_link_text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header>\n<div class=\"swe-post-container\">\n<div class=\"swe-author author\"><p><strong>Text:<\/strong> Birgit Scheuch, 22.06.2022<\/p><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-hm5a1-04a1b10d35550a643b98b6cb1ed0bc82'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><strong>How can the supply of affordable, reliable and modern energy to the world&#8217;s population be realized by 2030? By taking a very close look and setting clear rules.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-la80h2sy-4c20ce09ba2f038df0fcf416c479d50a\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-la80h2sy-4c20ce09ba2f038df0fcf416c479d50a{\nheight:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-la80h2sy-4c20ce09ba2f038df0fcf416c479d50a hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-hm5a1-7-9c26d9c4e2cedee59adab52d88c34762'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Decentralized, off-grid and sustainable energy systems are now considered the <strong>silver bullet<\/strong> to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal #7. The pace of development is also clear to see in some of SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH\u2019s ongoing projects. The company focuses on innovative off-grid, hybrid and battery based projects and helps local distributors set up their off-grid businesses.<\/p>\n<p>Project manager Heiko Stieber has commissioned a number of mini- and micro-grids in Africa and the Caribbean and is currently involved in a project in Senegal designed to provide around 330,000 people in more than 400 villages with access to electricity.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are regions here where it\u2019s impossible to access the grid \u2013 nature reserves or areas that are simply too isolated,\u201d says Heiko Stieber. \u201cWe are installing 78 off-grid systems in these areas, re-purposing in-situ shipping containers originally used on building sites. The photovoltaics systems provide protection against the sun, and part of the shipping containers will be used as commercial space. We are currently training up engineers from the Senegal National Electricity Agency (SENELEC) so that they know how to operate the systems.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Since communities left out of current electrification plans are voicing their discontent with a cry of \u201cNo power \u2013 no vote!\u201d, the Senegalese government is finding itself under pressure to act. For Stieber, it\u2019s clear that the pace of electrification is set to increase rather than decrease.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div class=\"flex_column av_one_full flex_column_div  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock \"><div class=\"swe-special-images swe-special-images-1 subtitle\"><div class=\"image-container image-container-image-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/900x666_OFFGRID_05.jpg\" alt=\"\" aria-label=\"\u201eOur off-grid systems in Senegal are designed to be expanded.\u201c <\/p>\n<p><small><em>\u2013 As project manager for SMA Sunbelt GmbH, Heiko Stieber is helping to introduce off-grid systems in Africa and the Caribbean.<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n<p>\" \/><\/div><span class=\"image-subtitle\"><span class=\"image-subtitle-inner image-description\">\u201eOur off-grid systems in Senegal are designed to be expanded.\u201c <\/p>\n<p><small><em>\u2013 As project manager for SMA Sunbelt GmbH, Heiko Stieber is helping to introduce off-grid systems in Africa and the Caribbean.<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-hm5a1-6-54763676275a6a08201dd7253a003abe'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2><strong>Planning and implementing off-grid systems are not easy tasks.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The term \u201cmini-grids\u201d might sound cute, but setting them up is seriously tricky. The engineers first have to establish the level and type of energy demand.<\/p>\n<p>If just a handful of families need electricity only every now and then and for a foreseeable period, a solar home system is likely the best solution. A regional health center, however, might need only a small amount of energy but cannot afford any interruptions to its supply. The best solution in such a case is a solar hybrid system in which a diesel generator makes up for the energy that a PV system with battery cannot deliver at night or when it\u2019s raining. The best solution for an entire district could be an upgradable mini-grid \u2013 although, again, choosing the right site is crucial here.<\/p>\n<p>Philipp Blechinger, who heads the <strong>Off-Grid Systems research field<\/strong> at the Reiner Lemoine Institute, and his team make up for the lack of data by conducting empirical research and field studies and developing open modeling tools for planning off-grid systems and electrification strategies. \u201cIn 2021, for example, as part of the <strong>PeopleSun<\/strong> project, we surveyed 5,000 households across Nigeria to gain a better understanding of their energy requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7d9f4i-994dead974198371faccbf2b8121a5fb\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-7d9f4i-994dead974198371faccbf2b8121a5fb{\nheight:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-7d9f4i-994dead974198371faccbf2b8121a5fb hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_swe_special_images '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex_column av_one_full flex_column_div  avia-builder-el-9  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_hr  portraet\"><div class=\"swe-special-images swe-special-images-2 subtitle\"><div class=\"image-container image-container-image-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/900x666_OFFGRID_06.jpg\" alt=\"\" aria-label=\"\u201eElectrification and climate protection need to be more closely dovetailed if we are to achieve the sustainability goals.\u201c <\/p>\n<p><small><em>\u2013 Dr. Philipp Blechinger heads the Off-Grid Systems research field at the Reiner Lemoine Institute.<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n<p>\" \/><\/div><span class=\"image-subtitle\"><span class=\"image-subtitle-inner image-description\">\u201eElectrification and climate protection need to be more closely dovetailed if we are to achieve the sustainability goals.\u201c <\/p>\n<p><small><em>\u2013 Dr. Philipp Blechinger heads the Off-Grid Systems research field at the Reiner Lemoine Institute.<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lpmoy-58991c1db64673131b8f06f414782d2f\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-lpmoy-58991c1db64673131b8f06f414782d2f{\nheight:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-lpmoy-58991c1db64673131b8f06f414782d2f hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-10  el_after_swe_special_images  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-hm5a1-5-21f6881df8f0c7702c5de7efb7dd0d3d'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2><strong>It\u2019s a matter of will \u2013 energy policy and obstructive regulations<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>\u201eOur off-grid systems in Senegal are designed to be expanded,\u201d says Stieber. \u201cThis means that they can be interconnected to create one big utility grid. Whenever these standalone grids expand to within five miles of the central utility grid, they have to be connected.\u201c<\/p>\n<p>But it\u2019s precisely this \u201cthreat\u201d of being connected that currently often hinders the expansion and upgrading of off-grid systems. Developers and investors are asking themselves what happens when the utility grid finally \u2013 if ever \u2013 reaches the region. In many regions, either there is no answer to this scenario or the official structures would put mini-grids and off-grid systems at a disadvantage. And it\u2019s precisely these kinds of risks that are putting investors off.<\/p>\n<p>This is why all the major studies conducted in this area recommend making decentralized systems part of national energy policy, planning and regulation. This means overhauling obstructive laws that prioritize grid expansion and upgrade projects above all else and defining a procedure for the transitional phase. Whether continued autonomous operation, state supply contracts or compensation \u2013 anything is better than a forced shutdown.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-4qxabm-72f9374e5df7db5de380e9381798b3c9\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4qxabm-72f9374e5df7db5de380e9381798b3c9{\nheight:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-4qxabm-72f9374e5df7db5de380e9381798b3c9 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-12  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_swe_slider '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"swe-sc-slider-2\" class=\"swe-sc-slider swe-slider\" data-slider=\"carousel\" data-handle=\"swe_slider\"><div data-slide id=\"swe-sc-slider-2-slide-0\" class=\"swe-sc-slider-slide swe-sc-slider-slide-0\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/286x279_OFFGRID_SLIDER_1_1.jpg);\"><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-slide-0 --><div data-slide id=\"swe-sc-slider-2-slide-1\" class=\"swe-sc-slider-slide swe-sc-slider-slide-1\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/286x279_OFFGRID_SLIDER_1_2.jpg);\"><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-slide-1 --><div data-slide id=\"swe-sc-slider-2-slide-2\" class=\"swe-sc-slider-slide swe-sc-slider-slide-2\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/286x279_OFFGRID_SLIDER_1_3.jpg);\"><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-slide-2 --><div data-slide id=\"swe-sc-slider-2-slide-3\" class=\"swe-sc-slider-slide swe-sc-slider-slide-3\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/286x279_OFFGRID_SLIDER_2_1.jpg);\"><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-slide-3 --><div data-slide id=\"swe-sc-slider-2-slide-4\" class=\"swe-sc-slider-slide swe-sc-slider-slide-4\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/286x279_OFFGRID_SLIDER_2_2.jpg);\"><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-slide-4 --><div data-slide id=\"swe-sc-slider-2-slide-5\" class=\"swe-sc-slider-slide swe-sc-slider-slide-5\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/286x279_OFFGRID_SLIDER_2_3.jpg);\"><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-slide-5 --><div data-slide id=\"swe-sc-slider-2-slide-6\" class=\"swe-sc-slider-slide swe-sc-slider-slide-6\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/286x279_OFFGRID_SLIDER_3_1.jpg);\"><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-slide-6 --><div data-slide id=\"swe-sc-slider-2-slide-7\" class=\"swe-sc-slider-slide swe-sc-slider-slide-7\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/286x279_OFFGRID_SLIDER_3_2.jpg);\"><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-slide-7 --><div data-slide id=\"swe-sc-slider-2-slide-8\" class=\"swe-sc-slider-slide swe-sc-slider-slide-8\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/286x279_OFFGRID_SLIDER_3_3.jpg);\"><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-slide-8 --><div data-slider-controls class=\"swe-sc-slider-buttons\"><button data-prev class=\"slider-arrow left hide no-hover\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/enfold-child_sonnenallee\/images\/icons\/pfeil.svg\"\/><\/button><button data-next class=\"slider-arrow right hide no-hover\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/enfold-child_sonnenallee\/images\/icons\/pfeil.svg\"\/><\/button><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-buttons --><\/div><!-- end swe-sc-slider-2 -->\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1yiyky-aece251e8367dbf01ade8367c34d882a\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-1yiyky-aece251e8367dbf01ade8367c34d882a{\nheight:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-1yiyky-aece251e8367dbf01ade8367c34d882a hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-14  el_after_swe_slider  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-hm5a1-4-50d773936cf112ce203272349c63287a'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2><strong>Sustainable change \u2013 opportunities for a better life<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The electrification of a community or region heralds a whole new era. When children\u2019s ability to learn is no longer dependent on how much daylight is available, this increases their chances of gaining a decent education and proper vocational training.<\/p>\n<p>Electricity for equipment and machinery that help make work easier boosts both the productivity and earnings of local companies. Lighting makes new working hours possible. Cell phones and other mobile devices \u2013 in combination with a reliable mobile communications system, of course \u2013 allow companies to reach out to more potential customers.<\/p>\n<p>And whether it\u2019s the disruption-free operation of medical equipment, well-lit operating theaters or refrigeration for medicines, electricity dictates how effectively hospitals and health centers can function. <br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>A question of balance \u2013 trends in electricity supply and demand<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Anyone who thinks, however, that access to electricity will improve the prosperity of the local community overnight is mistaken. Establishing a connection to an off-grid system is just the start, for a variety of challenges still lie ahead. Stieber explains the situation as it is now, saying, \u201cWorkshops and other companies have always done many things by hand. There are no electric tools because, obviously, there is no electricity.\u201d But a micro- or mini-grid will eventually start paying for itself only when there are dependable off-takers for the electricity produced.<\/p>\n<p>So does the answer lie in a form of start-up financing enabling, say, a carpenter or tailor to purchase equipment, expand the business and, at some point, pay wages? Could specialist know-how helping farmers to process their harvests in line with market conditions help to ensure that more money is generated in the region? It would of course be more cost-effective and healthier for families to simply replace their climate-damaging wood- or kerosene-burning fireplaces, but, without an electric stove, cooking with solar power is unlikely to be a viable proposition. And last but not least, who\u2019s going to service and maintain the mini- and micro-grids? One option could be to train up crews of solar and grid technicians and, initially at least, to pay their salaries. Whenever all these issues are not factored in or managed appropriately, PV systems can become susceptible to damage and neglected.<\/p>\n<p>In the description of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.giz.de\/en\/worldwide\/61359.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">project launched by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ)<\/a>, these support measures are described in the section entitled \u201cProductive Use,\u201d whereby the aim is to provide \u201dtraining and access finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, smallholder farmers and households, ensuring that electricity is used to drive economic development and making the mini-grid business model sustainable.\u201d The partners from the skilled crafts and small businesses sector are also supporting technical and vocational education and training measures for solar and mini-grid technicians. And as part of another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.giz.de\/en\/worldwide\/19268.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GIZ-run project to support the development of mini-grids in Uganda<\/a>, 800,000 homes in Uganda were kitted out with state-of-the-art electric cookers.<\/p>\n<p>And that is exactly what Blechinger finds so exciting about his work. \u201cWe have to operate at a highly interdisciplinary level because it\u2019s about deploying technological innovations under difficult social and economic circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-hm5a1-3-4efaa2a539ba6ac9797e0ec7eb77d855'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><div  class='hr av-42s8bh-803135692315c428d374ba1f77730923 hr-small  avia-builder-el-17  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u201eSome developers are targeting small businesses and industrial users alongside residential consumers, to increase the average level of revenues and hence profitability. Others are financing appliances to boost demand, or even becoming off-takers.\u201c<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/minigrids.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Mini-grids_Market_Report-20.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State of the Global Mini-Grids Market Report 2020<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<div  class='hr av-2grbp9-997c2dbfd435002ca94a20962122e807 hr-small  avia-builder-el-18  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-hm5a1-2-67ccb2df8b4b622222eb3c5c9179fb0a'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2><strong>A question of money \u2013 billing and tariffs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>For mini-grid researchers and practitioners alike, the central issue in any project concerns billing and payment. According to Stieber, \u201cIn places like Tiburon in Haiti, there are customers who have an electricity connection for light, some music and maybe a television. Their electricity bill might be somewhere in the region of ten dollars. Energy meters as we know them are not an option there because the price of renting a meter and the self-consumption of the meter itself are disproportionately high.\u201c<\/p>\n<p>This is why local operators are always developing new usage and payment models. For example, with EarthSpark, Sunbelt\u2019s development partner in Haiti, customers receive a card that they can charge in the office. \u201cThey then insert it into the meter and use their energy credit like they would their credit on a phone card,\u201d says Stieber, explaining the prepaid model. \u201cBut new concepts are being developed all the time, like a meter to which customers can upload credit via their cell phone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, the installation of a system like this brings enormous social change \u2013 and, for Stieber, this change in mindset is actually the biggest challenge in these kinds of project. \u201cPeople first have to understand new things. In Africa, we installed systems for bush hospitals where doctors always performed surgery with their chins on their shoulders because they had become used to doing their work with a flashlight clamped between their chin and shoulder whenever the generator broke down.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But when the power is at last turned on, the difference is like night and day. As Stieber says, \u201cStreet lighting alone makes people feel safer and, as a result, boosts social interaction. You\u2019re more likely to go out and meet people. That evening, the first time when electricity was generated by a battery and there was finally light, it was thrilling to see how the whole community was revitalized.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='av_promobox av-kbupbijg-6f29c110e5350449d0e4ca5e477b6190 avia-button-no  avia-builder-el-20  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_swe_recent_posts '><div class='avia-promocontent'><h6 style=\"text-align: right;\"><\/h6>\n<h2><strong>Mini-grids are nothing new<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Almost all centralized utility grid systems in use today started out as standalone mini-grids that then became increasingly interconnected over time. [\u2026] These mini-grid systems, which were introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were crucial to the early development and industrialization of most modern economies, including Brazil, China, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>Mini-grid manual published by the ESMAP, 2019 <u>Executive Summary<\/u><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"swe-recent-posts\"><div data-slider-controls class=\"swe-recent-posts-buttons\"><button data-prev class=\"slider-arrow left no-hover\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/enfold-child_sonnenallee\/images\/icons\/pfeil.svg\"\/><\/button><button data-next class=\"slider-arrow right no-hover\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/enfold-child_sonnenallee\/images\/icons\/pfeil.svg\"\/><\/button><\/div><!-- end swe-recent-posts-buttons --><div class=\"slides\"><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/peripheral-energy\/pv-farms-and-biodiversity\/\" style=\"background-image: url();\" class=\"dark\"><div class=\"title top-left\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Peripheral energy<\/span><\/div><h1>PV Farms and Biodiversity<\/h1><\/div><video loop muted autoplay playsinline><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/file-2.mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/div><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/climate-change\/climate-protection-made-fun\/\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Nintendo_Switch_Header.jpg);\" class=\"dark\"><div class=\"title top-left\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Climate and change<\/span><\/div><h1>Climate protection made fun<\/h1><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/climate-change\/smart-solutions-for-saving-energy\/\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GewaI\u0088chshaus-Hauptgang-2.jpeg);\" class=\"light\"><div class=\"title top-left\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Climate and change<\/span><\/div><h1>Smart Solutions for Saving Energy<\/h1><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/solar-energy\/mission-solarize\/\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/solaranlage-montage-scaled.jpg);\" class=\"dark\"><div class=\"title top-left\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Solar energy<\/span><\/div><h1>Mission #solarize<\/h1><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/climate-change\/kick-off-for-climate-neutral-football\/\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Anstoss-Fussball.jpg);\" class=\"light\"><div class=\"title bottom-left\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Climate and change<\/span><\/div><h1>Kick-off for Climate-Neutral Football<\/h1><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/climate-change\/regeneration-times-three\/\" style=\"background-image: url();\" class=\"light\"><div class=\"title bottom-right\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Climate and change<\/span><\/div><h1>Regeneration times three<\/h1><\/div><video loop muted autoplay playsinline><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/SMA_Moor_PV_Header_mp4.mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/div><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/peripheral-energy\/solar-power-for-hundreds-of-thousands-of-people\/\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Asantys-Systems-GmbH_Senegal_finished-site.jpg);\" class=\"light\"><div class=\"title top-left\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Peripheral energy<\/span><\/div><h1>Solar power for hundreds of thousands<\/h1><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/climate-change\/the-peak-of-sustainability\/\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/gebirge-sonne.jpg);\" class=\"dark\"><div class=\"title top-left\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Climate and change<\/span><\/div><h1>The peak of sustainability \u2014<\/h1><\/div><video loop muted autoplay playsinline poster=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/gebirge-sonne.jpg\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Video-Gebirge.mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/div><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/climate-change\/chiles-green-revolution\/\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Diego-del-Almagro.jpg);\" class=\"light\"><div class=\"title top-left\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Climate and change<\/span><\/div><h1>Chile\u2019s Green Revolution<\/h1><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"slide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/climate-change\/heritage-and-environmental-protection-under-one-roof\/\" style=\"background-image: url();\" class=\"dark\"><div class=\"title top-left\"><div class=\"category\"><span class=\"btn inverted\">Climate and change<\/span><\/div><h1>Heritage and environmental protection under one roof<\/h1><\/div><video loop muted autoplay playsinline><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/drohnenaufnahme_stadt.mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"center-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sonnenallee.sma.de\/en\/\" class=\"btn inverted\">Close article<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How can the supply of affordable, reliable and modern energy to the world&#8217;s population be realized by 2030? By taking a very close look and setting clear rules.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":7022,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"16115","beyondwords_content_id":"","beyondwords_preview_token":"","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"#404: Record not found","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"4862068","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"Updated","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"categories":[82],"tags":[85,92],"class_list":["post-7746","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-peripheral-energy","tag-climate-change","tag-peripheral-energy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Green off-grid systems (2) - Sonnenallee<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"By 2030, everyone should have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. 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