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The Olalenge family, living in a rural Nigerian village called Okeho, faced challenges due to limited access to reliable lighting. When they first moved into their new home, they relied on a single, smoky kerosene lamp for illumination. After sunset, their activities were shrouded in relative darkness. ABIKE OLALENGE, along with her younger brother Kehinde, was raised by their father, Adewale, after their father passed away in 2012.

Adewale worked hard to rebuild their lives, constructing a beautiful home by hand and engaging in cattle farming for income. However, the lack of proper lighting hindered their daily activities. They couldn’t read at night, cook comfortably, or even make their bed due to the perpetual darkness in their room¹.

But then, something remarkable happened. Through the “Solarity Partnership” program, the Olalenge family received nearly Home 60 & home 120 Sunking solar lights. This initiative, launched by Vanpeux in collaboration with various organizations, aimed to promote solar technology in Okeho village. The program distributed solar lights to students and families, including the Olalenge. Additionally, larger solar home lighting systems were provided to teachers, classrooms, medical staff, and Village Council Offices to support critical educational, medical, and social services for the community.

The impact was profound. Johnson and Andrew could now read storybooks, do their school homework, and even teach each other using the bright solar light. The increased study hours allowed them to excel academically. Moreover, the brightness of the solar lights enabled multiple students to study collaboratively, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

From increasing study hours to allowing families to enjoy dinner together after sunset, the Solarity Partnership’s  program demonstrated that solar lights are much more than mere illumination. They empower education, strengthen communities, and transform lives. The project continues to measure the impact of solar products on children’s education, attendance, and academic performance, reinforcing the importance of sustainable energy solutions in underserved areas¹.

Solar lights not only brightened the Olalenge family’s home but also ignited hope, learning, and togetherness. Their story serves as a testament to the transformative power of clean energy in improving lives and fostering lifelong learning. 🌟🌞🏡

If you’d like to explore more inspiring stories related to solar lights, you can also check out SolarAid’s collection titled “Every Light Has a Story” ². These stories highlight the incredible impact of solar lighting across different communities worldwide.

Remember, every beam of light brings with it the promise of a brighter future! 😊🌟

An inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity. Inverters are commonly used in various applications, including renewable energy systems, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), electric vehicles, and portable electronics.

Let me explain further:

• DC Power: Direct current (DC) is the type of electrical power where the current flows in one direction. Batteries, solar panels, and other sources typically provide DC power.
• AC Power: Alternating current (AC) is the type of electrical power used in most household equipment and appliances. AC power alternates its direction periodically, creating a sinusoidal waveform.

1. Function: Inverters change DC power (from sources like batteries or solar panels) into AC power suitable for running household appliances, electronics, and industrial machinery.
2. Waveform Types:
   • Square Wave: Some inverters produce a square wave output, which is a simple on-off signal. However, this type of waveform may not be suitable for sensitive electronic devices due to its high harmonic content.
   • Sine Wave: High-quality inverters generate a sine wave output, closely resembling the standard AC power waveform. Sine wave inverters are ideal for most applications.
   • Modified Sine Wave: These inverters produce a waveform that approximates a sine wave but with some distortion. They are more affordable than pure sine wave inverters but may not work well with certain devices.
   • Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) Wave: Another type of waveform used in some inverters, especially for motor control applications.
3. Input Voltage:
   • Inverters require a stable DC power source. The input voltage depends on the specific design and purpose of the inverter.
   • Examples of input voltages include:
     • 12 V DC (common for smaller consumer and commercial inverters).
     • 24, 36, and 48 V DC (used in home energy systems).
     • 200 to 400 V DC (from photovoltaic solar panels).
     • Hundreds of thousands of volts (for high-voltage direct current transmission systems).
4. Output voltage and frequency:
   • The output voltage and frequency depend on the inverter’s design.
   • Commercial power distribution grids require low total harmonic distortion (THD) in the waveform at the customer’s point of connection.
   • IEEE Standard 519 recommends less than 5% THD for systems connecting to the power grid¹.

In summary, inverters play a crucial role in converting DC power to AC power, enabling us to use various electrical devices and appliances in our daily lives. Whether it’s charging your phone or running a refrigerator, inverters quietly make it all possible! 😊🔌🔋