Solar-powered multi-port phone charging for rural energy access in Uganda

Kelechi Ukagwu, Moses Musooko, Obinna Onyebuchi Barah, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze, Bubu Pius Erheyovwe · 2026 · KIU journal of science engineering and technology

Summary. Researchers in Uganda designed and tested a low-cost solar-powered charging system with five USB ports for rural communities without grid electricity. The prototype uses a small solar panel, battery storage, and charging controllers to charge multiple phones simultaneously. Testing showed it could fully charge a basic phone in two hours or a smartphone in four hours, supporting roughly ten phone charges daily under good sunlight. The system offers a practical, locally-buildable solution for improving mobile access in off-grid areas.

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@article{ukagwu-2026-solar-powered-multi-port-phone,
  title   = {Solar-powered multi-port phone charging for rural energy access in Uganda},
  author  = {Kelechi Ukagwu and Moses Musooko and Obinna Onyebuchi Barah and Val Hyginus Udoka Eze and Bubu Pius Erheyovwe},
  journal = {KIU journal of science engineering and technology},
  year    = {2026},
  doi     = {10.59568/kjset-2026-5-1-28},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.59568/kjset-2026-5-1-28}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Solar-powered multi-port phone charging for rural energy access in Uganda
AU  - Kelechi Ukagwu
AU  - Moses Musooko
AU  - Obinna Onyebuchi Barah
AU  - Val Hyginus Udoka Eze
AU  - Bubu Pius Erheyovwe
JO  - KIU journal of science engineering and technology
PY  - 2026
DO  - 10.59568/kjset-2026-5-1-28
UR  - https://doi.org/10.59568/kjset-2026-5-1-28
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.59568/kjset-2026-5-1-28

Countries

Uganda

Regions

Africa

Categories

energy, agtech, general-innovation

Added

2026-10-01