Written by Daryll Williams

Simply put, solar is the most abundant source of energy on Earth. About 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strike the Earth at any given time - more than 10.000 times the world's total energy needs. By capturing the sun's energy and turning it into electricity, solar energy is a key solution in combating the current climate crisis and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels!

Solar power explained

Our sun is a natural nuclear reactor. It releases tiny packets of energy called photons, which travel the 93 million miles from the sun to the earth in about 8.5 minutes. Every hour, enough photons impact our planet to generate enough solar energy to theoretically satisfy global energy needs for an entire year.

However, today only a small portion of the world’s power is derived from it - largely because of its expensive and inefficient harvesting process.

Despite these blockers, new solar energy markets are emerging worldwide as costs continue to decline, performance improves, supply chains expand, solar storage systems move towards economic viability and solar power gains credibility throughout government and private sectors. That’s certainly the case in Sub-Saharan Africa, where distributed solar power systems promise to enable nations to extend sustainable energy access and development by leapfrogging dependence on centralised grids and fossil fuels.

Nowhere is this more prevalent than in Namibia. With a staggering 300 days of sunshine each year, Namibia is a year-round destination. And although some may prefer to avoid the heat of high summer, it has tremendous solar energy-generation potential.

Solar-powered stays in Namibia

Many members of the Namibian hospitality industry are rapidly joining the green revolution, and it’s not purely for show - there are savings to be had and natural vistas to preserve.

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge lies in the foothills of the NamibRand Nature Reserve and is the perfect choice for a tranquil desert experience. This sustainably built lodge is made of rock, glass and steel, made for blending in with its harsh, ever-changing landscape. The roofs have also been clad in solar panels, allowing the buildings to harness the harsh natural environment and use the sun to create enough energy to ensure the lodge is entirely self-sustaining.

Etendeka Mountain Camp

Etendeka Mountain Camp is a true ecolodge, with almost all of its energy needs being taken care of by solar panels. It is one of just a handful of Namibian camps to have been awarded the maximum of 5 flowers by the Namibian National Eco-Awards Alliance. The people in the Omatendeka and Anabeb communal conservancies also hold exclusive rights for the Etendeka Concession, with all profits directly benefiting the local people living in these remote areas.

Desert Whisper

Desert Whisper is located 60 km north of Sesriem in the Sossusvlei area. The single villa, consisting of a spacious single storey suite, is designed as a luxuriously special desert retreat for two. Sustainability and guest comfort go hand in hand with the sophisticated, environmentally-friendly design, which supports uncompromised luxury in a climate of extremes. There’s also a fully independent solar hot water system and a highly effective greywater recycling system (all powered by the solar panels on the roof).

Did you know?

1. Solar panels can produce power without direct sunlight

The sun is the most abundant source of energy for solar panels to absorb and convert into power, but it doesn’t need to be direct sunlight. Solar panels can capture different parts of the sun’s light spectrum. So, if the sun’s not directly shining on the panels – or it happens to be a cloudy day – it doesn’t mean the light reflected from the sky isn’t being captured and utilised by the solar panel cells to produce power.

2. Investing in solar power can pay for itself

When you switch to a solar-energy system, the initial price of installation scares a lot of people off. However, the overall amount you save in investing in solar power is actually where the real value lies. Additionally, those who buy solar panels could be eligible for tax breaks and some governments even allow solar power owners to sell their excess solar energy – putting more money back into their pockets. They are also relatively low maintenance and getting a check-up is affordable.

3. Solar Panels are virtually pollution-free

Once built and installed there is a negligible impact on the environment from solar panels - no moving parts, no noise pollution, no emissions, and no need for fuel besides the sun’s rays.

Travel sustainably across Namibia

Viatu aims to inspire wilder, greener and smarter travel. We want to create a community of sustainability-minded wanderers who always keep better travel choices at the centre of their decisions. Done right, travel is a force for global good - and we’d love to join you on your journey. Just head over to viatu.com to enquire.