Development Ratings

From setting up initial activities in 2006/7, SolarAid’s programmes have progressed rapidly in Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania. The solar technology is also developing rapidly. Now the micro and macro solar programmes use mono crystalline silicon, a photovoltaic (PV) thin film that is more robust, lighter and more efficient for the size than the original solar glass material used. When exposed to sunlight (‘photo’), silicon electrons in the sheet move producing an electric current (‘voltaic’). The material is now sourced from China, bought in bulk by SolarAid for economies of scale, and shipped to the country. Transport and customs are dealt with by agents.

The micro solar programme trains ‘solar entrepreneurs’ to make and sell domestic products. This involves training groups of people in an understanding of how solar electricity works as well as basic electronics, business planning, and market research. SolarAid is specifically selecting disadvantaged groups of people to set up a network of micro solar enterprises across rural areas. The pilot schemes involved a community organisation for young people affected by HIV/AIDS, and a local NGO that helps deaf and disabled people develop income generating projects. Depending on the level of experience and specialisation, production and sales may be combined or carried out by different groups. The products – solar lanterns and chargers for radios, batteries, and mobile phones – are made by one group (such as disadvantaged technical college carpentry students) while another group (for instance, unemployed tradesmen) sells them in the community as an entrepreneurial income generation scheme. The mono crystalline silicon and LEDs have long life spans, 25 and 10 years respectively. Other items used for making the charging units are sourced locally, and the final ply board-backed, reinforced product is durable. A 1 Watt panel costing ~£4 to make and selling for ~£6-7 could power a lantern or small radio and last 7-10 years. Customers recognise the savings in reduced kerosene and battery costs. SolarAid is researching the development of a social enterprise model to raise some income from the sale of mono crystalline silicon to the solar entrepreneur groups. In order for the micro solar groups to be able to purchase future supplies, SolarAid has also talked to local micro-finance organisations, including MicroLoan Foundation (see Development Ratings Report), about supporting revolving loans.

The macro solar programme involves larger solar installations on rural buildings. SolarAid is contracting solar companies that are able to meet the required quality standards (following World Bank guidelines) to size, install and periodically maintain installations on buildings. The solar company commits to ensuring reliability, carrying out any maintenance, and occasionally replacing the battery packs. In the pilot programme, a 300 Watt solar panel was installed. It was sized not only to light the building but to enable income generating activities such as skills training and small commercial activities, like charging larger electrical items. The revenue raised goes to a fund managed by the local NGO to pay for maintenance and other agreed community needs. There is a clear community development element of the charity’s work, with potential for this to have a knock-on effect on local enterprise and economic development. Other types of buildings that will be targeted for the macro solar approach include rural schools, health clinics, and general community centres.

Kenya is a new country of operation. Future country programmes are being developed for Liberia (involving ex-child soldiers as micro solar entrepreneurs), and very remote indigenous regions of Argentina and Bolivia.