{"id":139891,"date":"2021-12-15T16:18:53","date_gmt":"2021-12-15T15:18:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sma-sunny.com\/?p=139891"},"modified":"2022-04-21T15:30:49","modified_gmt":"2022-04-21T13:30:49","slug":"eco-safari-refuel-with-sunlight-instead-of-diesel-fuel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/en\/eco-safari-refuel-with-sunlight-instead-of-diesel-fuel\/","title":{"rendered":"Eco safari: refuel with sunlight instead of diesel fuel"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Africa, is UNESCO World Heritage natural site and tourist magnet. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes still live in their natural habitat here. In order to preserve the natural environment, Tanganyika Expeditions has relied on photovoltaics for the operation of its accommodations and on e-mobility for the safaris. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Tanganyika Expeditions<\/a> has operated safari lodges and camps in north Tanzania since 1989. Eight of the ten lodges will still not be able to be connected to the Tanzanian utility grid.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur safari vacations employ 300 employees in Tanzania alone,\u201d said Denis Lebouteux, Director Tanganyika Expeditions. \u201cThey are an important factor for the economy which we want to make as sustainable as possible for everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Right from the start, the operator opted for a self-sufficient electricity supply with solar power. \u201cWe offer our guests unique insights into the natural life of the flora and fauna and experiences in harmony with nature.\u201d At the largest site, there are now two SMA stand-alone grids with each 55 kW peak PV power, supplying both the accommodations and the attached laundry facilities with solar power around the clock. The laundry facilities then supply other locations in the vicinity with clean laundry. The concept for the sustainable energy supply was developed by system integrator Asantys Systems<\/a> and energy consultant Olk. It goes far beyond the mere use of electrical devices.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The goal: 100 percent solar power<\/h2>\n

The solar power is also used to warm up the shower water. This is even more resource-saving and more convenient than generating hot water with solar thermal energy. For the hot water is immediately available in the boilers and does not have to be transported to the shower via long pipes first. This saves water and increases the comfort level for the guests.<\/p>\n

Since 2018, the operator has also been switching its safari vehicles to e-mobility. Toyota Landcruiser safari and service vehicles are being converted from diesel to electric vehicles. High-quality modifications are made to the vehicles giving them a second (service) life. The vehicles are then also charged with PV power via the SMA stand-alone grid.<\/p>\n

Currently, nine safari vehicles are fully electric. With a range between 130 to 240 km (according to the model), they are ideally suited for night safaris and shorter day trips. They are also partly used for trips from one location to the next. This saves fuel costs, harmful emissions and finally valuable time and helps protect the natural environment of the animals.<\/p>\n

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Prior to that, up to 60 km drive was required just to get to the gas station. Now the maintenance requirements for the electric vehicles are also lower since there is less wear and tear. Best of all: the hoods of the safari vehicles are equipped with PV modules. This significantly increases the batteries\u2019 service life. The vehicles now gently carry the tourists across the unique nature reserves on their discovery tours. Without noise and smoke the animal world remains undisturbed and the air clean.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>System profile Grumeti Hills
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