Feasibility study of solar powered low-cost ICT facilities for secondary schools

Abstract

This is a feasibility study carried out to specifically analyze the setup and operation of solar powered computer laboratories for schools in rural areas in Uganda. The proposed solar-powered computer laboratory was designed to suit the needs of a school, according to the number of computers they needed. The study chose laptops over thin client computers because of numerous advantages including; less equipment needed for installation, cheaper to install and maintain compared to thin clients, they have a battery for extra power storage, among others. The model is designed to run on solar power every time the lab is in use and the laptop batteries to supplement any shortfalls for any reason. The study also focuses on how these schools in rural areas can be able to finance the installation and operation of a fully functional solar-powered computer laboratory in their school. The cost of the building and furniture being zero because the school that was considered for the study already has one. But the total cost of the project is still too large for a rural school to handle on its own, even when given many years for paying up the incurred debt. Nevertheless, Uganda has several programs that are in place to enable access to affordable and clean electricity. For example; the Rural Electrification Agency with several partners and investors that fund their activities.