Welcome to Ethio Solar For The Rural

ESFR strongly believes in the power of solar and wind energy and works hard to transform lives and communities in rural Ethiopia and other East African countries, using this abundant and local energy source.

Light Up Ethiopia

Illuminating Ethiopia's Rural Future with Solar Power

Access to electricity is critical for driving economic and social development in rural Ethiopia. Yet, with over 80% of the country's population living off-grid, millions of families and businesses lack the fundamental access to electricity. But the solution is shining bright above - the abundant sunshine found across Ethiopia and the East African countries surrounding the equator. By harnessing the power of the sun through innovative solar energy systems, we can bring clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to even the most remote communities. Our mission is to rapidly scale-up solar power installations in Ethiopia's rural regions, with the goal of providing electricity access to more than 10 million people by 2030. We are working hand-in-hand with local communities, entrepreneurs, local banks, associations, philanthropies and the government to develop sustainable business models and financing mechanisms that make solar power equally accessible for all. In addition to installing the solar systems, we are investing heavily in bringing job opportunities by training local technicians and creating an ecosystem of solar energy service providers. This will ensure the long-term operation and maintenance of the infrastructure, empowering rural Ethiopians to take ownership of their new electricity access. Beyond the establishment of solar PV villages, distribution of solar irrigation pumps, solar street lights, solar water well reservoirs and solar cooking facilities are within our service package. Electrification of households, schools, health posts, streets, electric car charging stations and market places makes us special development agents of the rural communities in Ethiopia and other East African nations.

To expand solar and wind-based electrification in rural Ethiopia:

To provide access to electrical energy to 10-15% of rural Ethiopia through the deployment of solar and wind power systems.

  • Sustainability: Develop financing mechanisms, capacity building programs, and maintenance support to ensure the long-term viability of the renewable energy systems.
  • Technologies: Utilize a combination of solar photovoltaic and wind power systems to generate and distribute electricity.
  • Impact: Improve quality of life, create jobs, economic opportunities, and environmental sustainability in rural Ethiopia through clean, reliable electricity.
  • Affordability: Work in collaboration with local and international funding and supply agents to ensure the new electricity access is affordable and reliable for rural households and businesses.

To provide electricity to 10-15 million people in Ethiopia's off-grid rural areas by 2035:

To rapidly deploy solar photovoltaic systems, including stand-alone home systems and community-scale mini-grids, to provide electricity to upto 15 million people in Ethiopia's off-grid rural areas by the next decade. This will be achieved through:

  • Mobilizing public and private investments to finance large-scale solar power infrastructure.
  • Building the capacity of local communities, technicians, and entrepreneurs to own, operate, and maintain sustainable solar energy systems.
  • Fostering innovative business and financing models that make solar electricity accessible and affordable for rural households, health centers, schools and businesses.
  • Promoting productive uses of solar power to drive economic development, create jobs, and improve livelihoods in underserved rural areas.

Scope :

This project aims to design and deploy solar and/or wind energy solutions in rural Ethiopia, targeting areas with little to no access to electricity. The focus is on installing solar home systems and mini-grids, supported by battery storage, to provide reliable, clean energy. Sales and distribution of solar pumps for irrigation, solar water well reservoirs, solar street lamps, solar cookers and solar heaters or ACs are also among the services we give. Continuous monitoring will ensure long-term sustainability and measure impact on community development.

  • Assess the local climate, solar insolation, and geographical conditions to determine the most suitable locations for solar installations.
  • Conduct a thorough analysis of potential sites in rural Ethiopia, focusing on areas with limited or no access to the national grid.
  • Regular and standby solar panel remote monitoring systems integrated with weather sensors and GPS applications.

Ultimately, ES4R aims to harness Ethiopia's abundant solar resources to transform rural lives, promoting sustainable development and energy independence.

Vision :

To empower rural communities in Ethiopia by providing universal access to clean, reliable, and affordable solar and wind energy, fostering sustainable development, improving quality of life, and driving economic growth, while contributing to the national environmental conservation and energy independence.