Solar refrigeration is one of the many successes of solar energy, particularly in Africa.
It is one of the ancient and widespread applications for solar energy. Solar refrigeration is a powered refrigerator that makes direct use of the sun. The solar-powered refrigerator can keep fresh products such as meat and dairy in places of extreme temperature.
The Solar powered refrigerator is one of the simplest inventions, yet of great worth in the fight against poverty eradication. Reduce food wastage by powering with the solar refrigerator.
A lot of African states are developing at a rising pace, technologies such as the solar refrigerator are one of the many reasons why developing is moving at its pace.
A vast majority of the people live on one dollar per day. Also, most people undergo hardship to get that one dollar.
It is, therefore, a great shock that the food acquired through hardship go to waste, about 45% of food goes to waste because of a lack of storage. Which is where this innovation of solar refrigeration comes through.
The sun’s rays light the land, partial amounts are stored through solar panels. This energy is then generated to homes, powering refrigerators and various electrified appliances. This is a form of social innovation, as it is inspiring communities to further their ideas on sustainable solutions for a greener environment.
Small-scale farmers experience a great shock of transporting fresh produce from rural areas to marketplaces. The sun is scorching the food leading to some financial losses that perpetuate poverty in Africa. Besides, householders can throw away food, and yet they lack the subsequent meals.
Besides, most of the population in Africa is not able to afford expensive fridges that use electricity and installing electricity despite the fact that most of the African governments have initiated rural electrification.
Solar refrigeration thus remains the only elegant alternative to reduce poverty, curb deforestation and save over 500 million farmers in Africa and Asia. However, the countries have enough sunlight yet they stand to benefit a little from it because of lack of knowledge and ability to enhance solar panel and convert into electricity.
When farmers are impacted, corporates and big retailers feel the nerve too. Hence, aid from corporates and retailers to farmers would play a key role.
Solar from the sun is utilized in two ways: through solar thermal and photovoltaic.
Solar thermal use flat plates established on top of the roof to absorb light and produce heat used for heating and cooling.
The solar refrigeration has made a great impact in Africa in poverty reduction through food preservation, besides, they are environmentally friendly. However, affecting access to solar power in poor rural countries still encounters some challenges.
Most of the poor cannot afford the installation coast. Also, the International Aid Fund is not able to reach all the rural areas in Africa. More, most of the African countries are corrupt and the only solar benefits a few people.
All in all, solar refrigeration remains to be on top of the game in poverty eradication in Africa.
