A mini-grid is preferably fed by a solar power plant. The generated electricity can be supplied - directly or indirectly via batteries - to cliens who are connected to the local electricity network.

The advantage of a mini-grid is that it allows customers to take more electricity. This is especially important for fostering activity in rural areas. As the initials investment required is high, it is essential that many customers are located in close proximity to each other.

Advantages of a mini-grid:

• provides a higher power
• little maintenance
• no emission of pollutants
• no dependence on the import of diesel and fluctuating prices

• Technical functioning of a mini-grid

   The solar panels capture sunlight, which is converted into electricity. From here the electricity goes to an inverter that converts direct current into alternating current, which is then fed directly or indirectly (via the batteries) into the electricity network. The electricity goes via the network to the customers who are connected to the network. As a back-up the solar power plant uses a diesel generator that can feed the network or batteries at times when the solar energy production is insufficient to supply the customers with enough electricity. To allow the batteries of the electricity network to be recharged, customers do not have access to the network for the whole of the day.