I used a solar panel to power my house lighting in Mauritania. Why would I do that? Well, I had originally wanted to use a laptop computer in my village, but I was dissuaded from doing that because I was told it would be ruined in the dusty climate of the Sahara Desert. I sold my laptop before I left, but I wish that I hadn't. If it was properly protected from the environment in a dust-proof bag, it would have done just fine. If you are interested in using a sustainable source for your energy needs, I strongly suggest that you look into solar power. It will make you the talk of your village! And, you can pass it on to another volunteer or villager when you leave!
My system cost less than $400, including lights and battery. It provided me with enough power to use my lights as long as I wanted to at night. When I purchased another laptop shortly before I finished my service, I had to limit myself to using the computer a few hours a day because I wouldn't have any energy left for lights at night. Basically, that meant I couldn't spend hours playing Freecell. No big loss!
My panel produced 30 watts (I think it was a Solarex PV230) and weighed a paltry 6 pounds. I packed it in a suitcase, where it took up less than a half inch of room. I purchased some 12v DC (the same voltage you use in your car!) fluorescent lights, which basically gave me good light to read, work, and cook by at night. The villagers were jealous.
I also took a radio and powered speakers, giving me a pretty good source of music to listen to. My Braun electric shaver and my Grundig Satellit short-wave radio also operated off of 12 v DC power. You might also want to get a fan!
During my two years of service, unlike the other villagers and volunteers, I had electric conveniences and didn't have to purchase (and dispose of) batteries, or kerosene for my lamp. I'm proud of myself for taking it.
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