14 Jul 2014

With an escalating price of electricity, some youths across the country saw it fit to take advantage of using renewable sources such as solar energy to run their businesses.

Among the renewable energy sources, solar has proved to be a sustainable choice and one that can be used in various applications. Some people are now tapping into this alternative source of energy, hoping to benefit from its numerous advantages.

As an environmentally conscious small business owner who is also looking at keeping a lid on operational costs, 30 year old Mr Lekoko Leepile of Radisele village has resorted to using a solar panel to generate electric power.

Mr Leepile owns a barber shop situated by Block 6 shopping complex in Gaborone and he uses solar energy to operate everything he uses in the shop.

Mr Leepile said he uses the solar panel to charge his battery during the day, then the inverter, where all the equipment is plugged pulls the electricity from the battery and everything is good to go.

He said he never takes his battery for charging anywhere but uses the solar panel to charge it so that he can continue with his job even when the sun has gone down adding that he can work till late without any worries. 

Mr Leepile said he started his business in 2013 after he quit his job due to an illness. He indicated that using a solar panel is very beneficial as he does not pay huge amounts of money for electricity but he gets his electricity through the sun, something he does not have to pay for.

Working capital can be very crucial for a small business therefore the solar panel allows him to keep his cash for other purposes.

He said it is very cheap to use solar energy and encouraged other youths who want to make something for themselves to consider using renewable sources of energy as they are sustainable affordable and clean.

Mr Leepile said he trusts solar energy and never experiences power cuts which helps attract more customers to his barber shop.

However, he lamented that his prices are a little lower because he operates his business from a shack. He however indicated that he plans on getting a place to rent so that he  can attract more customers who dislike cutting their hair in a shack.

He further noted that by using this renewable source of energy any business or company can express its participation in the battle against global warming.

The introduction of solar power is the result of efforts by the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility in partnership with the government and local communities to provide eco-friendly energy access throughout the country. BOPA

Mr Leepile indicated that he has interest in utilizing the youth empowerment schemes to help expand his business. He however said he wants to save a bit so that he does not completely rely on government.

He said he enjoys being his own boss and encouraged his peers to follow suit and make use of the talents they have as they can benefit them in so many ways.

One of the regular customers at Mr Leepile’s barber shop, Mr Mogotsi Mogotsi said he enjoys cutting his hair at the shop because it is easy and quick and the environment is flexible as it operates even during power cuts.

He further noted that the atmosphere at Mr Leepile’s barber shop is similar to the one where electricity is available because there is a radio which is always on to entertain the customers. Ends