Air Quality Sensor Loan Program
Choose between WiFi or Cellular connectivity for your outdoor air quality monitoring needs
About AIR QUALITY SENSOR LOAN PROGRAM
Background and Rationale
Air quality monitoring in West Africa remains limited due to the high cost of reference-grade instrumentation, technical capacity constraints, and insufficient public infrastructure. The Afri-SET (Sensor Evaluation and Training Centre for West Africa), hosted at the University of Ghana, seeks to overcome these barriers by launching a Sensor Loan Library. Inspired by the U.S. EPA Region 1 model, the program allows vetted organizations and institutions to borrow low-cost air quality sensors to support monitoring, community engagement, and evidence-based decision making. This initiative addresses data gaps, democratizes air quality monitoring, and actively enables regional stakeholders to participate in pollution reduction strategies.
Program Overview
The Sensor Loan Program will provide up to 106 low-cost air quality sensors (e.g., AirGradient) on a rotating basis to eligible applicants. The initiative targets stakeholders across Ghana during the pilot phase, with plans to scale to the ECOWAS region.
Objectives
- Expand regional PM2.5 monitoring capacity
- Open access to air quality data
- Support education and research on pollution exposure
- Encourage evidence-based policy and advocacy
- Deliver on three core goals: Capacity Building, Empowerment, and Data Generation
Eligible Borrowers
- Non-profit organizations
- Academic and research institutions
- Municipal agencies
- Community-based organizations
- Public institutions such as libraries and schools
Environmental Factors
- Avoid enclosed spaces and ensure adequate airflow (at least 270°circumference)
- Height Placement (1.5m to 3m high)
- Do not place sensors near structures/objects that can affect air flow to the sensors or block the sensor intake (against a wall, near vent or on the ground blocking inlet)
- Do not place sensors near structures that can alter T or RH near the sensor (vents, exhausts, stacks)
- Do not place sensor in locations with risk of vibration, electrical shock or either potential hazards
- Avoid areas with high probability of theft
- Mount sensors out of easy reach or in locked enclosures if in public spaces
- Choose a location that allows for periodic checks, cleaning, or firmware updates
Available Sensors
AirGradient Open Air Wi-Fi
Outdoor Air Quality - WiFi • Model: O-1PST
Best for: Areas with WiFi Coverage
Key Features:
- WiFi connectivity for easy setup
- Real-time data transmission
- Weatherproof IP65 enclosure
- Solar power compatible
AirGradient Open Air Cellular
Outdoor Air Quality - Cellular • Model: O-1PST CE
Best for: Remote Areas & Wide Coverage
Key Features:
- GSM cellular connectivity
- Independent of local WiFi
- Wide area network coverage
- Remote location capability
What Our Users Say
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Environmental Science Professor
University of Rwanda
"The WiFi model worked perfectly for our campus study. Easy setup and reliable data collection in areas with good WiFi coverage."
Sensor used: O-1PST (WiFi)
Duration: 6 months
Michael Uwimana
Community Health Coordinator
Kigali Health Initiative
"The cellular model was perfect for remote monitoring sites without WiFi. Consistent data transmission even from rural locations."
Sensor used: O-1PST CE (Cellular)
Duration: 4 months
Grace Mutesi
Environmental Researcher
Rwanda Environment Authority
"We used both models for our study. WiFi sensors for urban areas and cellular for remote sites. Both performed excellently."
Sensor used: Both models
Duration: 8 months
Ready to Start Monitoring?
Join our community of researchers, educators, and advocates working to improve air quality through data-driven insights.