Sustainable Energy Supply in your Hands

February 2006

This booklet was commissioned by the Ministry of Mines and Energy through the Namibia Renewable Energy Project (NAMREP). NAMREP is financially supported by UNDP Namibia through the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Conceptualised and designed by Consultancy Services Africa in partnership with Robert W Schultz.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUPPLY IN YOUR HANDS

ENEWABLE ENERGY

Namibia is highly dependent on imported energy from fossil energy sources. This jeopardizes the vision of Sustainable Energy Supply. The purpose of this booklet is to promote Sustainable Energy Supply for Namibia, using Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, in combination with current energy sources. This booklet explains the most common Solar Energy technologies.
Energy: ability to act and work with strength and eagerness (Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary). Energy is recognised through light, warmth and movement Renewable Energy: Renewable Energy is from an energy resource that is replaced rapidly by a natural process such as power generated from the Sun, from wind or from biological materials. Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency describes technologies and consumption habits that conserve energy and minimise wastage.

Solar Energy: Namibia has about 3,300 sunshine hours per year, at an intensity of approximately 6 kWh per m2. The light intensity is sufficient to light 100 x 60 Watt light bulbs on a m2. This makes Namibia one of the sunniest places in the world. Solar Energy technologies are suitable for largescale centralised power generation and for smaller decentralised household electrification.

Wind Energy: Namibia has very favourable wind conditions along the coast with wind spreads of up to 10 m per second. This makes Namibias coastline very suitable for large-scale wind energy production. Namibia has about 30,000 wind water pumps installed, the second highest in Africa.

Biomass Energy : Biomass Energy through firewood is widely used in Namibia and, if sustainably used, could be a stable energy source. Bush encroachment affects about 12 million hectares in Namibias prime agricultural lands and causes losses of over N$ 100 million per annum to the national economy. However, invader bush also has a sustainable energy storage of 25,000 GigaWh per annum. Namibias total annual electricity consumption is only about 2,000 GigaWh.

Energy Efficiency : Energy Efficiency technologies like compact fluorescent lights and solar water heaters can reduce average household energy expenditure by as much as 80%. In lowincome to medium-income urban households, this can result in a total monthly electricity expenditure of less than N$ 70. Collectively, Namibian households can save over N$ 120 million per annum.

Fossil Energy: Fossil Energy comprises oil, gas, coal and to an extent uranium (for nuclear energy). They required millions of years to form and their supply is finite. In addition, the burning of fossil fuels has resulted in global temperature increases and climate change. About 50% of Namibias electricity is from South African coal power stations. The Kudu gas fields off Oranjemund will, once exploitation has commenced, only have sufficient reserves for about 20 years.

Water Energy: Water Energy can be derived from flowing rivers (hydro energy) and the ocean (tidal and wave energy). Only small scale hydro energy is regarded renewable, because of the severe negative environmental impacts that large-scale hydro power stations have. Namibias hydro power potential is concentrated at the rivers along its borders. As such any development requires consent from neighbouring countries. Tidal and wave energy technologies are not quite market-ready yet. Namibia does however have an enormous potential energy supply along its Atlantic coast.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUPPLY IN YOUR HANDS

OLAR WATER PUMP

Also called a Photo-Voltaic Pump (PVP), Solar Water Pumps are a viable alternative to Diesel Water Pumps. A PVP daily water delivery depends on the depth of the water level and the amount of PV panels installed. At 60 m water level, a 240 W PVP delivers about 4,000 liters (100 cattle) per day, while a 720 W PVP delivers about 11,000 liters (270 cattle).

A SOLAR PANEL, also called Photo-Voltaic (PV) Panel, turns sunlight into Direct Current (DC) electricity. Electricity produced by a PV panel is measured in WATT (W). PV panels come in different sizes and the more PV panels are connected together, the more electricity is produced, e.g. two 50W PV panels give you 100W of electricity. Good quality PV panels have a 25-year warranty.

ELECTRIC CABLES connected to the solar panels, transfer electricity to the Solar Water Pump through a CONTROLLER. The controller regulates and stabilises the electricity from the panels to the pump and can also switch off the pump when there is no water. From the controller, the ELECTRIC CABLE connects all the way down the borehole to the Solar Water Pump. Some PVPs use Alternating Current (AC), in which case an INVERTER replaces the controller.

The pump is attached to a BASE PLATE by a plastic rope. The base plate seals the borehole to prevent objects, like rocks, falling onto the pump while the rope holds the pump in place. The water pipe, which is attached to the pump, exits the base plate through a hole and from there, leads to your water storage tanks. The SOLAR WATER PUMP hangs in the borehole and is attached to a WATER PIPE, ELECTRIC CABLE and a PLASTIC ROPE.

PVP with tracking tower and water tank

Borehole water levels and daily water deliveries where PVP is most optimally suited
Total Pumping Head 50 m 5.000 Litres per day 8.000 12.000 16.000 24.000 40.000 50.000 Solar Solar Solar Solar Solar Solar Diesel 100 m Solar Solar Solar Solar Diesel Diesel Diesel 150 m Solar Solar Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUPPLY IN YOUR HANDS

OLAR HOME SYSTEM

A Solar Home System (SHS) provides basic electricity services to households. A 50 W SHS can provide sufficient electricity to operate 4 light for 3 hours daily, with radio, while a 500 W SHS can operate lights, refrigeration, television, computer and most low energy appliances and power tools.

A solar panel, also called Photo-voltaic (PV) Panel, turns sunlight into Direct Current (DC) electricity. Electricity produced by a PV panel is measured in WATT (W). PV panels come in different sizes and the more PV panels are connected together, the more electricity is produced, e.g. two 50W PV panels give you 100W of DC electricity.

The PV panels are connected to the SOLAR BATTERIES via a REGULATOR. The regulator protects the batteries from over charging. Solar batteries are specially designed for trickle charging and a greater depth of discharge. They are often sealed and maintenance free. Car batteries are not suitable. The ELECTRIC CABLE used to connect the PV panels to the regulator and batteries must be as short as possible and sufficiently thick.

Depending on the amount of PV panels installed, a SHS is either operated on Direct Current (DC) or Alternating Current (AC). For a DC system a POWER GAUGE indicates the charge of the batteries and allows DC appliances to be connected to the system. For an AC system, an INVERTER performs this function. The inverter is optimally sized for the system and changes DC electricity to AC.

Power Gauge for DC 12 Volt OR Inverter for AC 220 Volt

A whole range of conventional APPLIANCES can be operated on an AC system. Care should however be taken that the appliances are as energy efficient as possible and that no heating appliances are used. A SHS is not suitable for: stoves, irons, kettles, geysers, toasters or badly insulated refrigerators or freezers.

Gobabeb 26 kWp PV Power Station

Hybrid Mini Grids In semi-dense villages, where houses are near to each other, a Solar Diesel Hybrid Mini Grid is a cost effective electrification option. Rather than individual SHS, the PV panels are combined into one large array. All batteries are stored together in a battery room, from where electricity is converted to AC by a large inverter and then travels via conventional power lines to the different houses. A Diesel generator is also installed, which charges the batteries only when insufficient solar energy is available. Such a Hybrid Mini Grid was installed at the Desert Research Centre, Gobabeb.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUPPLY IN YOUR HANDS

OLAR WATER HEATER

Solar Water Heaters (SWH) are very efficient in utilising Solar Energy for water heating. It is estimated that there are about 80,000 electric domestic geysers in Namibia, which could all be replaced with SWHs. They are an extremely durable technology and many SWH come with a 10 Year warranty. A SWH can reduce a households electricity expenditure by up to 50%.
An INDIRECT or DUAL CIRCUIT Solar Water Heater transfers the heat collected from the sun to your house water. This heat exchange happens in the WATER STORAGE TANK. The water storage tank is always situated above the SOLAR COLLECTOR. The solar collector is black, for heat absorption, and contains rows of connected copper pipes through which water flows. Hot water from the solar collector rises up to the water storage tank, where it transfers its heat to the household water. This causes the solar collector water to loose heat, cool and sink back to the collector to be heated up again. The water in the solar collector continuously circulates and does not mix with the household water. This closed circuit is ideal for areas with high lime content in the water and avoids lime deposits in the copper pipes, which would ultimately result in clogging.

A DIRECT or SINGLE CIRCUIT Solar Water Heater directly heats up the household water. Water from the household enters the SOLAR COLLECTOR, where it is heated up. This hot water then exits the solar collector and is used in the house. The Direct SWH also uses a WATER STORAGE TANK, which is mounted above the solar collector. Some Direct SWH can use the existing electrical geyser as a water storage tank. If the electrical geyser is installed inside the roof, below the solar collector, a small circulation pump is required that would bring hot water down to the geyser and cold water up to the geyser.
A 200 litre SWH in Windhoek

The cost of a SWH compared to an electrical geyser for a household over 20 years and how long it takes for a SWH to recover its initial investment through electricity savings in different towns in Namibia (Pre-payment August 2005).
Life Cycle Cost over 20 years Town
Solar Water Heater Electrical Geyser

Break Even Point

Gobabis Keetmanshoop Oshakati Swakopmund Windhoek

N$ 18,337 N$ 18,456 N$ 18,549 N$ 18,364 N$ 18,312

N$ 54,203 N$ 41,313 N$ 43,676 N$ 47,976 N$ 41,217

3.5 years 5 years 4.7 years 4.1 years 4.9 years

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUPPLY IN YOUR HANDS

OLAR COOKER

Solar Cookers replace the use of firewood, electricity, gas and other fuels for cooking. Cooking food takes longer, but the energy source is free and the technology requires virtually no maintenance. Solar cookers cater for households and larger version also for industry.

The SOLAR BOX COOKER traps heat from the Sun. Heat enters through glass panes, is trapped and then transferred to a BLACK POT inside the box cooker. Over a period of 1 to 3 hours, depending on the food, food is slowly cooked. The solar box cooker has several features that allow it to operate: Insulation: the box cooker, bottom and sides are well insulated, preventing heat from escaping Double glass layer: At the top, a double glass layer with a small gap between allows heat to enter, but prevents heat from escaping Black lining: the inner lining of the box cooker is painted mal black, which absorbs heat most efficiently and minimises reflection This makes the solar box cooker a similar technology as Solar Water Heaters. As is the case with all solar cooking technologies, the solar box cooker must be positioned facing the Sun and only black pots should be used. A typical solar box cooker reaches temperatures of about 90 C. During the course of one day 2 meals can be prepared. Solar box cookers are best used at: construction sites, kindergartens, small hostels and offices

The SOLAR PARABOLIC COOKER is shaped like a satellite dish and made from highly reflective METAL FINS or mirror. The parabolic cooker focuses solar heat onto a small area called the FOCAL POINT. This focal point is situated above the centre of the parabolic dish and it is here where a BLACK POT is placed. Solar parabolic cookers produce very high heat, very fast. Depending on the food, food requires about 1 2 hours for cooking. The high heat does require frequent stirring in order to avoid burning. The temperature of a solar parabolic cooker depends on the size of the parabolic dish. The larger it is the more heat can be focussed.Parabolic cookers cannot be left unattended, since the focal point shifts as the Sun moves. The parabolic cooker needs to be shifted slightly every 20 to 30 minutes.The solar parabolic cooker reaches temperatures of over 100 C. During the course of one day, 3 meals can be prepared. Solar parabolic cookers are best used: for sterilising medical equipment, laundries, fast cooking

SOLAR BOX COOKER Does not require frequent tracking of the Sun, because it traps solar heat Can be positioned and left unattended while cooking takes place Cooking is not affected by occasional shading, because heat remains inside the cooker Food does not require stirring since it cannot burn, it can only be over-cooked The slow cooking process ensures that nutritional values in food are not lost Is easily manufactured from low-cost materials Cannot easily boil water Slow cooking

SOLAR PARABOLIC Required regular tracking Cannot be left unattended for longer than 30 minutes Shading immediately switches off the parabolic cooker Food requires stirring High heat may destroy some nutrients Needs to be precisely manufactured Can easily boil water Faster cooking

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUPPLY IN YOUR HANDS

NERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy Efficiency (EE) Technologies greatly reduce the energy consumption of households. There is a simple step-by-step way of introducing and benefiting from energy efficiency in low to mediumincome households or households that consume less than 600 kWh per month.
Pre-Payment Meter 1 Conversion to Pre-Payment Meter Credit Meters (where you receive a monthly bill from the municipality) have a lower charge per kWh (this is called tariff), but they carry a monthly basic N$ charge. The basic charge depends on the size of the connection (measured in Ampere) and means that if you have not used any electricity, you still need to pay. Apply for a Pre-payment Meter at your municipality. Every kWh you can save now, directly reduces your electricity expenses, while in addition you are saving the monthly basic charge. Energy Saving Lights 2 Conversion to Energy Saving Lights Ordinary light bulbs waste a lot of electricity. Only 5% of the electricity is converted to light, while the rest is lost through heat. Energy Saving Lights (also called Compact Fluorescent Lights - CFL) are much more efficient. A 15-Watt CFL provides the same light as a 75-Watt light bulb and last 6 times longer (2 to 3 years). Your investment will have paid for itself within 2 to 3 months and you will save money every month for the next 30 months! Solar Water Heater 3 Conversion to Solar Water Heating Water heating, using electricity, accounts for about 50% of household energy expense. Namibia has over 80,000 electric household geysers, which collectively consume about N$ 100 million worth of electricity every year. Solar Water Heaters can effectively replace all these electric geysers. This would furthermore reduce Namibias national electricity consumption by over 10%.

Case Study Windhoek 1. Initial monthly electricity consumption: 421 kWh 2. Consumption after installation of Energy Saving Lights: 208 kWh 3. Consumption after installation of Solar Water Heater: 107 kWh Monthly saving: Basic charge: Electricity: TOTAL:

N$ 125 N$ 200 N$ 325

Ministry of Mines and Energy Private Bag 13297, Windhoek Tel: 061 2848111 Fax: 061 2848363 Contact: Mr Noddy Hipangelwa UNDP Namibia Private Bag 133290, Windhoek Tel:061 2046111 Fax: 061 2046203 Contact: Ms Martha Mwandingi

Namibia Renewable Energy Programme Private Bag 13297, Windhoek Tel: 061 2848111 Fax: 061 2848173 Contact: Mr Gottlieb Hamutwe Jnr Habitat Research & Development Centre PO Box 63036, Windhoek Tel: 061 268200 Fax: 061 268 201 Contact: Mr Jacques Korrubel

Desert Research Foundation of Namibia PO Box 20232, Windhoek Tel: 061 377500 Fax: 061 230172 Contact: Mr Robert Schultz

Renewable Energy Suppliers

ConServ cc PO Box 6422, Windhoek Tel: 061 236336 Fax: 061 256726 SWH, SHS, PVP Solar Age Namibia PO Box 9987, Windhoek Tel: 061 215809 Fax: 061 215793 SHS, PVP TERRASOL PO Box 6036, Windhoek Tel 061 239454 Fax: 061 239454 PVP, SWH Blasius Siyemo Prescott Tjamburo PO.Box 8987, Windhoek Tel: 0811287168 Solar Technician Willem Kweyo Peter Kalimba PO.Box 1784, Oshakati Tel: 0812793438 Solar Technician PO Box 1594, Oshakati Tel: 0811290291 Solar Technician Josty Lubinda PO.Box 258, Katima Mulilo Tel: 0812459086 Solar Technician PO.Box 215, Rundu Tel: 0811410465 Solar Technician Epafras Kaafuli Private Bag 5543, Oshakati Tel: 0812972927 Solar Technician Excelsior PO Box 11, Omaruru Tel: 064 570328 Fax: 064 570452 SWH, PVP Solar Stove Project Private Bag 5516, Oshakati Tel: 065 231463 Fax: 065 231463 SBC Richard Khachab PO.Box 29, Otjiwarongo Tel: 0812422826 Solar Technician Namibia Engineering Corporation PO Box 5052, Windhoek Tel: 061 236720 Fax: 061 232375 SWH, SHS, PVP SolTec cc PO Box 315, Windhoek Tel: 061 235646 Fax: 061 250460 SWH, SHS, PVP Mateus Nyambali PO.Box 2333, Ondangwa Tel: 0812432192 Solar Technician

Renewable Energy Financing

Bank Windhoek PO Box 15, Windhoek Tel: 061 2990380 Fax: 061 2990395 Contact: Ms Zambwe Simasiku Konga Investments PO Box 40303, Windhoek Tel: 61 25 9961 Fax: 61 25 9962 Contact: Ms Loide Kalompo

Solar Water Heaters = SWH

Solar Home Systems = SHS

Solar Water Pumps = PVP

Solar Box Cookers = SBC

DISCLAIMER: The written and graphic information provided in this booklet is not to be used to estimate sizes of solar systems. They are illustrative only and a qualified renewable Energy Supplier should be contacted for precise technical details and system sizing.