Inspired by the dark nights and power blackouts that happen in the university, Dennis Rukundo, a solar PV Expert at the Makerere University Centre for Research and Energy Conservation (CREEC) has developed a solar power grid, a tie system expected to solve dark nights.
The solar grid tie system has been developed as a pilot project at Makerere University to ease power outage problems. The new 10 kilowatt solar project that cost close to UGX 70 million shillings will be studied for at least three years.
According to Rukundo, the newly developed system charges solar batteries which will immediately take over when the on grid power goes off. He added that the idea was developed to save Makerere as well as other universities in times of power outages at the same time protect the environment.
The solar grid will power the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology and the project’s office.
While commenting on the newly developed power grid, Dr. Robinah Kulabako, Head of Department Civil Engineering revealed that she would be left disappointed without finishing her research work, lectures and mentor ship of staff and students at MAK CEDAT because of the unpredictable power outages.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Kamayangi, a fourth year Electrical Engineering student at the Wadegeya-based university was excited after hearing that she can finally use the solar grid. According to her, when on grid power shades off, lectures wont be stopping as they used to.
Apparently, many evening students would be left in a lot of confusion most especially at the CEDAT building when on grid power goes off.
