Wilo-Actun OPTI submersible pump provides independent water supply for children at the BAOBAB Foundation in Ghana

In many parts of the world, drinking water is a scarce resource that is progressively decreasing and its quality is deteriorating. This is the case in the rural areas around the town of Kisi, Ghana, where the BAOBAB Children's Foundation cares for children and youth with difficult access to education. In addition to basic skills such as reading, math, and English, children in the organization are also taught traditional crafts and agricultural techniques so that they are able to take responsibility for themselves. And the issue of water supply in the village where they are located has been solved with the help of a Wilo-Actun OPTI borehole pump powered by solar energy.

The village, where more than 100 girls and boys are accommodated under the care of the BAOBAB Foundation, covers an area of about 5 ha. There, however, drinking water is not a given. Until recently, water for drinking and domestic needs was provided through a drilling pump powered by fuel - another hard-to-reach resource in the region. "In remote areas, the provision of fuel is either inefficient or completely impossible. The solar-powered pump opens up entirely new opportunities for the foundation and its alumni, given that 90% of the year the location is exposed to strong sunlight," said Willo.

Wilo's solar pump technology was chosen for its high efficiency compared to alternative market offerings. Of course, productivity can vary – for example, during the Harmatan season (the period between November and mid-March in West Africa), when the weather is quite foggy and cloudy. However, the results are excellent, with the settlement benefiting from an independent water supply. Moreover, in addition to drinking needs, water is also used to irrigate the vegetable garden.

The Wilo-Actun OPTI is specially designed for combination with photovoltaic systems. It delivers optimised performance thanks to its high engine and hydraulics efficiency, as well as its dynamic Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm.

Photo source: Wilo Bulgaria, Wilo