With a prolonged drought affecting the supply of hydroelectricity all over southern Africa, a growing number of people are turning to solar to fill the energy gap.

A reliable supply of electricity is essential. But the drought that has gripped southern Africa since early this year has led to rolling cuts in a country that relies heavily on hydropower.

Zambia is going through one of its worst droughts in decades. The country declared a national disaster in February, and has since been scaling back energy supply and trying to import electricity from neighbouring countries. Hydroelectric dams normally provide more than 80 percent of the country’s power, but lie nearly empty after months of dry weather.

Solar advocates hope the trend makes the start of a long-term shift. Now the drought has highlighted the potential of decentralised energy sources like solar, especially in remote areas.