Expert Views

Electricity is as vital to modern life as clean air and safe water. But in Sierra Leone, as in many African countries, unreliable power supply means many of us turn to diesel generators to keep the lights on. At offices, schools, homes, and places of worship, the hum of generators is a familiar sound, one we’ve come to rely on, but at a cost we can no longer ignore.

There are an estimated 33,000 generators in use across Sierra Leone, supplying around 180 megawatts of electricity. Unfortunately, ChildFund Sierra Leone—like many institutions, used to be one of those contributors to diesel-powered pollution. That is, until we made a deliberate decision to change.

The truth is, every time we fire up a generator, we not only burn money, we also burn the planet. Diesel-powered electricity is a major source of carbon emissions. According to the World Nuclear Association, more than 40% of CO₂ emissions from energy come from burning fossil fuels like diesel. These emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, driving global warming and shifting weather patterns. Sierra Leone is already feeling the effects—just look at the record heat waves and extreme weather events we’ve seen in recent years.

So in early 2024, we at ChildFund Sierra Leone asked ourselves a simple but powerful question: What if we became part of the solution, instead of the problem?

That’s when we began our transition to solar energy.

Our Solar Journey

We kicked off the project with an energy audit of our Freetown office to understand how much power we needed and when we needed it most. Based on the findings, we designed a customized solar power system that could meet our day-to-day needs, without a single drop of diesel.

We installed 62 high-efficiency solar panels, six lithium batteries, a solar charge controller, and advanced inverters, all strategically placed to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. The panels generate power during the day, and the battery storage ensures we stay powered at night or during cloudy weather.

The total cost of the project? Just over $42,000. A serious investment, but one with immediate and lasting returns.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Before switching to solar, we spent about $4,550 a year on generator fuel. Today, that figure is down to just $697. Our annual electricity bill from EDSA has dropped from $5,865 to only $354. In total, we’re saving more than $9,000 a year, and expect to fully recover our investment in less than seven years.

Beyond the financial gains, the benefits are even more powerful: no more noise pollution, fewer interruptions during work, and most importantly, no more pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Why Solar Is More Than Just a Power Source

Going solar is part of our long-term commitment to promoting environmental sustainability. Here’s why we believe every organization should consider making the switch:

• Clean Energy: Solar power produces almost no emissions compared to fossil fuels. 
• Energy Independence: With solar, we rely less on costly, unreliable imports. That’s better for national security and local resilience.
• Grid Stability: Solar reduces pressure on the national grid by decentralizing power generation. That means fewer outages and better service for everyone.
• Job Creation: Our installation involved certified solar technicians and local contractors, building skills and boosting the local economy.

Our Message to Partners and the Public

Our decision to go solar was more than just a business choice, it was a moral one. If we, as an organization dedicated to child well-being, continue to use solutions that harm the environment children live in, then we’re not living our values.

That’s why we’re now encouraging all our partner organizations and other nonprofits to consider making the switch too. Solar energy is a practical, affordable, and environmentally responsible choice.

We’ve done it. And we’re better for it.

Now, it’s your turn.