Leveraging Solar-Powered Routers to Provide Internet Connectivity in Underserved Communities

In the rapidly evolving digital era, Internet connectivity is crucial for socio-economic development. Yet, many communities in Africa remain disconnected due to unreliable power infrastructure. This paper presents a sustainable solution from RENUMESH Technologies - solar-powered Internet routers designed for off-grid areas. Utilizing abundant solar energy, these routers offer a reliable and eco-friendly method to enhance Internet access, thereby bridging the digital divide. The innovation leverages energy-harvesting power electronics to convert and manage solar energy effectively, ensuring continuous operation with battery packs that provide power for 5 days in the absence of sunlight. The routers' Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality extends their utility to additional devices, crucial for IoT applications in different settings. Case studies from different 103 deployments across Uganda show significant gains in Internet accessibility and reliability for educational and research institutions, as well as local communities. This is evident in the increase in the number of unique users, which rose from 24,147 to 30,052 between January and April 2024. Beyond providing seamless connectivity, these implementations also offer valuable insights into local climate patterns by analyzing data on energy usage and charging cycles stored in a central database, supporting environmental monitoring. Our findings underscore the potential of solar-powered technologies to revolutionize Internet access in energy-constrained regions, contributing to a more connected and sustainable future. This approach aligns with global sustainability goals and showcases the pivotal role of renewable energy systems in overcoming infrastructural challenges.