*On a sunny day at noon, each square metre of the earth's surface receives around 1 kilowatt of solar power.
*It is said that enough solar energy falls on the earth every second to provide all the world's energy needs for a year - the problem has been how to harness it.
*Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity that can be used in the home, but the panels are expensive to install.
*The initial outlay for a 1kilowatt system, which would give you enough electricity for 20 light bulbs, a fridge, a computer, 20" tv, cd player, mobile phone charger and fan, would be about $8,000.
*For generating large amounts of energy, that can feed into a grid, scientists are now looking at the potential of what's called Concentrating Solar Power.
Africa Energy Week: Monday -
Fossil fuels, Tuesday -
Solar energy, Wednesday -
Hydro & wind power, Thursday -
Biofuels, Friday -
Nuclear power
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