The sun shines with blazing intensity in many regions of Africa. For the innovative, this is an opportunity to generate freely available green electricity. This is especially the case, as many areas lack connection to a power grid.
One such innovator is RENUMESH Technologies. This Ugandan company provides Internet access to some of the country’s remotest regions by tapping into the country’s abundant sunshine. The firm’s S618 is a solar-powered router designed to provide consistent and sustainable Internet access, particularly in far-flung areas without access to electricity.
Using the sun to bridge gaps in infrastructure
This innovation is a partnership between RENU, a Ugandan community-driven non-profit organisation offering high-speed Internet connectivity solutions, and Chicago-based connectivity solutions manufacturer Mesh ++.
The S618 is a robust and versatile router equipped with advanced connectivity features. It supports 3G, 4G and 5G networks with dual SIM slots for redundancy or dual usage. The device operates with a 75–100-watt solar panel and lithium-ion batteries, providing up to five days of uninterrupted operation.
Its wireless coverage reaches a range of 350 meters and supports mesh networking, allowing multiple routers to interconnect seamlessly.
Uganda’s government has made significant efforts to expand Internet access through prioritised investment in infrastructure in a bid to bridge the information divide. Still, Internet access remains uneven in this East African country. In many rural areas, grid electricity is unreliable or unavailable.
Uganda is still, largely, disconnected
Statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics show that as of 2022, only a fifth of Uganda’s households used electricity for lighting. This highlights how limited access to the electrical grid is by a majority of the country’s population of 45 million. Electrical connectivity was even lower in rural areas, where kerosene was the main energy source for lighting homes.
Providing adequate broadband to cover all areas and the entire Ugandan population will come at a tremendous expense. The country’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance estimates that a total of USD 70 million over the next decade is required to ensure that at least 90 percent of the population has access to either fixed or mobile broadband.
According to Caroline Tuhwezeine from the Communications Department of RENU, the solar-powered router is a crucial innovation. It supports Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap by ensuring underserved communities can better access education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
“Users benefit from a model that eliminates dependence on grid power and reduces operational costs through energy efficiency and shared community usage. Additionally, its mesh technology minimises infrastructure expenses, making it an economical choice for institutions and households in remote areas,” Caroline told RESET.
RENUMESH’s technology means stable Internet connection, at last
The device supports IoT Integration, with its Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability supporting additional devices, enabling IoT applications in remote areas. It has been robustly designed to enhance durability, withstanding harsh environmental conditions common in remote African regions.
As of 2024, RENUMESH Technologies has deployed over 200 routers across Uganda, connecting 123,187 unique users. Beneficiaries include institutions like Lokopio Hills Technical Institute and African Rural University, where the routers have enhanced Internet reliability and accessibility.
Lokopio Hills Technical Institute, located 540 kilometres from the capital Kampala in Yumbe district, previously grappled with unstable Internet in the workshop area and parts of the administration block, a complete absence of Internet in the staff area, unstable power supply and limited accessibility. The introduction of the solar-powered router solution was a game-changer, providing stable and constant Internet throughout the campus.
“The routers have been strategically placed around the campus, creating a robust wireless network that covers the entire institute. This network allows students to access online resources, engage in virtual learning and connect with peers and experts from around the globe. Solar-powered routers have improved education and opened doors to economic opportunities, innovation and a brighter future for these students.”
Leading the way towards a green, connected future
Sustainability is a core value of the organisation’s philosophy, said Caroline.
“Our flagship product, the S618, epitomises this commitment by utilising renewable solar energy, reducing carbon footprints, and enabling access to critical services in off-grid areas. Our innovation aligns with global sustainability goals, such as SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), fostering inclusive development.”
The firm is exploring continental expansion. Its current plans include introducing the S618 to other African regions facing similar connectivity and energy challenges.
“Additionally, we are integrating emerging technologies such as eSIMs and LoRaWAN to enhance functionality and usability. These innovations will make our routers even more adaptable to diverse user needs,” Caroline explained.
