Design of an off-grid energy kiosk in rural Zambia

This paper describes the design of an off-grid energy kiosk in Filibaba, Zambia. Energy kiosks use a “walk up” retail model for electricity service. People bring mobile phones and other electronic devices to be recharged at the kiosk for a fee, and can rent portable battery kits with external LED bulbs to provide light to their homes. The revenue collected pays for the sustainable operation and expansion of the kiosk. The energy kiosk is powered by 1.8 kW of photovoltaic panels. This paper discusses the technical specifications of the system, including how information gathered from surveys, a focus group and community-wide meeting informed the technical and business design of the energy kiosk. Computer simulations are used to explore the reliability and appropriateness of the design. The energy kiosk represents a collaboration between nongovernmental organizations in the United States, Zambia and IEEE Smart Village. The energy kiosk will be installed in September of 2015.