Solar-Powered Phone Charging Hub

Group:   Humanist Group of Kankan, Guinea

Members: 

Name: Mamadou Camara
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Phone Number: +224 623 84 76 02
Email: mamadou.camaradksl29@gmail.com

Name: Fatoumata Diallo
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Phone Number: +224 662 72 46 56
Email: fatou.dialloyak67@gmail.com

Name: Ibrahima Sylla
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Phone Number: +224 655 98 76 54
Email: ibrahima.syllalek@gmail.com

Name: Aissatou Bah
Age: 26
Gender: Female
Phone Number: +224 677 88 55 33
Email: aissatou.bahssiatu@gmail.com

Name: Sekou Conde
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Phone Number: +224 624 22 11 00
Email: sekou.condllsn@gmail.com

Email:   ibrahimamohad@gmail.com

Phone:  +224 623 84 76 02

What does humanism mean to your group?

The Humanist Group of Kankan identifies as humanist because it is committed to promoting a worldview grounded in reason, ethics, human rights, and secular values, without reliance on religious or supernatural beliefs. In the context of Guinea a country where religion (mainly Islam and Christianity) play a dominant role in daily life, the group offers an inclusive space for:

Promoting rational thought and scientific inquiry

Encouraging ethical living based on empathy and shared human values

Advocating for freedom of belief and expression

Defending the rights of marginalized groups, including nonbelievers and minorities

Supporting education, gender equality, and social justice

Our mission is working toward a society where individuals are free to think for themselves, pursue knowledge, and live meaningful lives without religion.

Project Description

We aim to establish a solar panel charging hub to provide sustainable and reliable energy for the Humanist Group of Kankan, Guinea. The initiative is designed to harness solar power to support the group’s activities, reduce dependence on unreliable and costly electricity sources, and promote environmental sustainability within the community. By using clean, renewable energy, the project will help empower the Humanist Group to continue their humanitarian and educational work without interruption due to power shortages.

Kankan faces frequent challenges with consistent electricity access, which limits the ability of community organizations like the Humanist Group to operate effectively. The group needs a dependable power source to charge mobile devices, power small electronic equipment, and facilitate communication and education efforts. The solar charging hub will directly address these issues by providing a reliable and eco-friendly energy solution that can serve multiple users simultaneously.

The project will begin with a thorough site assessment to determine the best location for installing the solar panels, considering factors like sunlight availability and accessibility. Following this, high-quality solar panels and related equipment such as batteries and charge controllers will be procured and professionally installed. The charging stations will be configured with safety features to allow safe and efficient use by community members.

In addition to installation, the project includes training sessions for the Humanist Group members, equipping them with the skills to operate and maintain the system independently. This capacity-building effort ensures the long-term sustainability of the hub and encourages local ownership. Monitoring mechanisms will also be set up to track the system’s performance and provide ongoing technical support as needed.

Through this project, the Humanist Group of Kankan will gain continuous access to renewable energy, reducing their operational costs and environmental impact. Moreover, it will foster greater awareness and adoption of sustainable energy practices within the community, supporting broader environmental goals. By promoting clean energy and local empowerment, this solar charging hub will play a key role in enhancing the group’s ability to serve their community effectively and sustainably. 

Budget

 Solar panel (100W – 150W) – $120

12V Deep-cycle battery (100Ah) – $80

Charge controller (10A–20A) – $30

Inverter (300W–500W) – $40

Wiring, connectors, and mounting hardware – $30

USB charging ports and power outlets – $20

Weatherproof enclosure (for battery/controller) – $10

Total: $330

Expected Income

To ensure long-term sustainability and support the Humanist Group's activities, the solar charging hub will collect a small fee per device charged. This system not only helps cover future maintenance and expansion but also provides a modest source of income for the group.

Charging Model:

Fee per charge: $0.25 (USD equivalent per phone/device charge)

Average users per day: 30–40 people

Estimated daily income: $7.50–$10.00

Estimated monthly income: $225–$300

Target average monthly income: $250

Estimated yearly income: $3,000

This level of income will cover the initial setup cost of $330 within the first two weeks of operation and will generate sustainable funds for ongoing operations, equipment maintenance, and group initiatives.

Income Timeline

• Month 1 (Setup & Outreach):

  • First 1–2 weeks: Installation and community sensitization.

  • Final 2 weeks: Start of operations; estimated income: $100–$150.

• Month 2–3 (Growing Use):

  • Daily users increase as awareness spreads.

  • Monthly income stabilizes between $200–$250.

• Month 4–12 (Full Operation):

  • Consistent daily use by 30–40 people.

  • Average monthly income: $250

  • Total estimated income by end of year: $3,000

• Year 2 and beyond:

  • Income may grow with added services (e.g. power bank rentals, printing, or device repair) or expansion of the charging hub capacity.

  • Funds can be reinvested into community development or additional solar projects.

Benefits to Community

Reliable access to electricity for charging devices

Promotes clean, renewable solar energy

Improves communication through charged mobile phones

Supports education with power for learning tools

Generates income for the Humanist Group

Builds local skills in solar system maintenance

Reduces reliance on polluting generators

Empowers the community with energy independence

Supports low-income and vulnerable community members

Strengthens local humanitarian and educational efforts