Computer Aid International - Solar Cyber Cafe Project
Computer Aid International approached Firefly Solar, with the challenge of designing a solar powered internet café that can be used anywhere in the world.
Firefly created the ZubaBox - an internet connectivity solution that is mobile, solar-powered and easy to set up. It is designed to work anywhere in the world, requiring no wired internet or (mains) electricity supply.
Computer Aid International is a UK registered charity that aims to reduce poverty through IT solutions. The charity has shipped over 160,000 ex-corporate refurbished computers to developing countries. These computers are then used by educational, health and not-for-profit organisations for communities in remote locations where the technology is most lacking.
Many of the rural African communities that most need the services provided by Computer Aid often have no electricity supply or an underdeveloped grid system. This means that electricity supply is often ‘down’ for hours each day. Some rural towns use diesel generators however fuel supply difficulty again means that supply is inconsistent. Computer Aid International came up with the idea of developing a self-contained ‘cyber café’ that produced its own energy.
Firefly was asked to create a mobile cyber café that was self-supporting in terms of power production, with the ability to operate anywhere in the world.
Firefly initially worked with Computer Aid to develop the idea of a solar powered Internet café and conduct a feasibility study. With positive results, Firefly were awarded the contract to design and build a series of converted shipping containers into fully furbished Solar Cyber Cafes providing a much needed consistent electricity supply.
The shipping containers are fully insulated and furbished with electric lighting, desks, chairs and an eleven user computer network which takes advantage of thin client technology using a fraction of the power needed by conventional PCs. The systems are able to link in to Africa’s Largest WiFi network or the containers own satellite uplink.
These unique systems are solely powered by the integral off grid solar generator designed and built by Firefly. The system will operate all year round in high and low seasons in a number of African countries.
The first ZubaBox was shipped out to Macha in Zambia and is located 70km away from the nearest tarmac road. The second has been shipped to Kenya and Firefly the 3rd is sited in Zambia. With a winning formula, it is hoped that many more containers will be converted in the future offering internet to thousands of individuals across the continent.
