A collaborative solar energy project is lighting the path to education and opportunity in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia. U.S.-based solar technology company Sol-Ark, in partnership with Twende Solar and The Community Project: Ethiopia, has delivered reliable, clean electricity to Wogagen School, the country’s first public K–12 STEM academy.
Situated over 9,000 feet above sea level in Ethiopia’s highlands, Wogagen—which translates to “The First Light of the Day”—now has consistent electricity for the first time. Thanks to Sol-Ark’s advanced solar inverter systems, the school can power classrooms with projectors, computers, science labs, and vocational training equipment. The system currently supports 280 students and their teachers, with plans to accommodate more than 1,000 students in the near future.
But the project’s impact goes well beyond school hours. With solar energy now available after dark, the school doubles as a community center for over 4,000 residents of nearby Chole Village. In a region that has faced chronic energy insecurity and civil unrest, the new infrastructure brings stability, learning opportunities, and hope.
The initiative also includes a strong focus on local capacity-building. Sixteen instructors from nearby polytechnic colleges are receiving hands-on training in solar installation and maintenance from Ethiopian engineer Gizaw Tilaye. Using Sol-Ark inverters and Rolls Battery systems, this “Train the Trainers” program equips local educators to pass on their skills and build a skilled solar workforce across the region.
Local leadership was closely involved in every stage of the project, with input from village elders, the town’s mayor, and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education. This collaboration ensures community ownership and long-term sustainability. Additional equipment and support were donated by Rolls Battery Engineering and Heliene.
Wogagen School is now more than just a learning institution—it’s a hub of innovation and sustainability. The campus features solar-powered classrooms, composting toilets, a bamboo nursery, a community farm, and even a brick-making facility. The new solar system has replaced a diesel generator, cutting down on fuel costs and environmental impact.
This project stands as a powerful example of how clean energy can support both education and community development, creating a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
