Solar-Powered Refrigerator

Group: New Thinking Sakode Humanists

Locationt: Sakode, Togo

Members:

Naomi Akanni, Essohanam Tchalla, Ameyo Douti, Komlan Sewa, Mawuli Agbeko, Yao Dossou, Kossi Amou, Tchalla Kpatcha, Kwami Attisso, Edem Lawani, Sena Togbui, Mensah Koudagba

Email: akaninoami@gmail.com

Phone: +228 90 123 456

What does humanism mean to your group?

Our humanist group from Sokodé  has chosen a different path, one that does not rely on gods, spirits, or religious teachings. We reject the idea that invisible forces control our lives or that tradition should silence reason. Too often, religion has been used to divide people, suppress thought, and justify inequality. We believe it's time to think freely and live responsibly without fear of divine punishment or promises of the afterlife.

We are humanists because we believe in human beings not in gods. We believe that truth comes from evidence and reason, not from holy books. We know that morality does not require religion; it requires empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of shared humanity.

We choose science over superstition, compassion over dogma, and freedom over fear. As humanists, we commit ourselves to building a just, peaceful, and inclusive society based on human dignity, not religious authority. 

Project Description

New Thinking Sakodé, a humanist community group based in Sokodé, Togo, is launching a sustainable energy and cold storage project aimed at improving livelihoods, reducing food waste, and generating income through the use of solar-powered refrigeration. The project will involve the installation of a solar energy system, including solar panels, batteries, and an inverter, to provide a reliable and clean power source for the group’s operations. Alongside this, a solar-powered refrigerator will be deployed to store perishable goods such as vegetables, dairy, fish, and processed foods, which are currently at high risk of spoilage due to the region’s unreliable electricity supply.

By offering cold storage services to local farmers, fish sellers, and market vendors, New Thinking Sakodé will create a steady revenue stream, while also preserving their own harvests and food products for sale. This will reduce post-harvest losses and help improve food security within the community. The project supports environmental sustainability by replacing the need for diesel generators and reducing dependence on the national power grid. It also empowers the group to manage the system as a community-owned social enterprise, with profits reinvested into maintenance, future expansion, and additional local initiatives.

This initiative not only addresses immediate economic and environmental needs but also sets a model for community-led sustainability in other parts of Togo and West Africa. By combining renewable energy with practical, income-generating tools, New Thinking Sakodé aims to create lasting change rooted in self-reliance, innovation, and humanist values.

Budget

Solar panel (150W–200W) – $90

● Deep cycle battery (100Ah, 12V) – $100

● Charge controller (20A) – $25

● Inverter (300W, optional) – $30

● Small DC solar refrigerator (50–70L) – $180

● Wiring, mounts, and installation – $25

Total: $450

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The solar energy and refrigerator project for New Thinking Sakodé is expected to be completed within four weeks. In Week 1, the group will purchase equipment and finalize installation plans; Week 2 will involve site preparation and installation of the solar system; Week 3 will focus on installing and testing the refrigerator; and Week 4 will launch operations and begin offering cold storage services. Once operational, the project is estimated to generate a monthly profit of $100–$120 through fees charged to local farmers, fish vendors, and small traders for storing perishable goods. This income will cover maintenance costs and allow the group to reinvest in other sustainability efforts, ensuring the project becomes self-sustaining within the first year.

Benefits to Community

❖ Reduces food spoilage by providing reliable cold storage for perishable goods.

❖ Generates income through affordable cold storage services for local vendors.

❖ Promotes sustainability by using clean, renewable solar energy.