Solar power is revolutionizing people’s lives all over the world, especially in remote areas. In some parts of the world, it is the only possible source of power.
In Mongolia, about 800,000 of the country’s 2.8 million inhabitants still live the traditional nomadic lifestyle … without the most basic of modern conveniences such as electricity and running water.
Mongolia’s government is exploring its vast potential for solar energy. “The National 100,000 Solar Ger Electrification Program”, a government sponsored initiative, equips nomads’ traditional homes called Gers (tents made of felt and yak’s wool) with portable solar home systems. These portable solar home systems (SHS) are easy to set up and can easily be dismantled when residents relocate.
With new solar home systems, nomads are finally seeing the light. Their life is totally revolutionized now:
• With solar-generated electricity they can refrigerate their food.
• They can get the weather forecast from the television, which is vital in the life of a shepherd.
• With their self-harvested solar energy, they can charge their phones and keep in touch with one another and their children as most of the nomads’ children stay in dorms for education.
• Now they can call for help for health and safety reasons.
