Solar subsidies also in Africa

The goal of the subsidies is to "ease pressure" on the big hydro grid, currently over-streched, according the Prof. Bukenya. The program is part of the rural electrification program and will initially benefit middle class utility customers, which in Uganda means people with water heaters and freezers in their homes or offices.

The program targets, however, mostly rural customers, as urban ones are expected to remain hooked to the big hydro grids. The subsidies will be made available only when these consumers get off the hydro power grid.

Due to its great reliance on hydro power, Uganda faces power shortages each time Lake Victoria's water levels go below a certain level. For this reason, the country is in need for alternatives. At the moment, Uganda's Government is negotiating, through the country's Development Trust, with several aid agencies, including the US Agency for International Development or Africa's Development Foundation, in order to develop these and other initiatives.