To supply electricity in areas where customers live a long way from one another, FRES companies work with Solar Home System (SHS). A standard SHS comprises a battery, controller and a solar panel. This system provides enough energy to power a few light bulbs and power points for a radio, a fan, a mobile phone charger or a television for a few hours a day.

Benefits of the use of a SHS:

• access to energy in areas where no electricity grid exists or is to be constructed
• quick installation and removal if necessary
• little maintenance
• cheaper per kWh than candles, batteries and/or paraffin
• no emission of harmful substances

Restrictions of a SHS:

• only small electrical appliances such as a small fan, radio or battery charger can be connected. Cooking and heating / cooling are not possible
• the technology is one that involves high initial investments

If customers have higher energy requirements, a mini-grid may be the right solution.