iShack

The iShack project in Enkanini, South Africa, provides solar home systems to households in an informal settlement, reducing reliance on hazardous energy sources and creating local employment. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and South Africa's Green Fund, the initiative has installed 1,026 solar systems, saving 92,556 kWH per year and creating 11 jobs for residents. The project focuses on incremental upgrades to slums through green technology and skills training for community-based 'iShack Agents'.

• The iShack project utilizes solar home systems to provide electricity for lighting, mobile phone charging, and energy-efficient appliances in the Enkanini informal settlement, which has helped improve the lives of 3,000 people and secure a free basic electricity municipal grant.
• The initiative has achieved measurable technical and economic outcomes, including the installation of 1,026 solar systems that save 92,556 kWH annually, the creation of 11 jobs for shanty dwellers, and the raising of R 182,000 in external finance.
• Beyond energy access, the project enhances community safety and health by reducing illegal electrical connections and the fire hazards associated with the use of paraffin and candles, while improving air quality.

APA

Green Economy Coalition (2019). iShack. https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/ishack-solar-electricity-for-south-african-shanty-towns

Chicago

Green Economy Coalition. iShack. 2019. https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/ishack-solar-electricity-for-south-african-shanty-towns.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Green Economy Coalition |title=iShack |date=14 February 2019 |url=https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/ishack-solar-electricity-for-south-african-shanty-towns |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{greeneconomycoalition2019ishack, author = {{Green Economy Coalition}}, title = {{iShack}}, institution = {Green Economy Coalition}, year = {2019}, month = feb, url = {https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/ishack-solar-electricity-for-south-african-shanty-towns}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }