The small rural solar revolution

As a good source of inspiration on how to improve quality of life in rural areas that are off-grid and at the same time organize a business around it, have a look at the following initiative: http://www.solar-aid.org/projects/health/sunnymoney-microfranchising.html 

I believe this is something could be replicated and the generated revenue could be used to finance other activities... not that we all have to sell solar lamps :), but if someone more does it I believe we will all enjoy the benefits.

If you want to know what is going on in Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania check the following links:

http://solar-aid.org/projects/malawi-projects/
http://solar-aid.org/projects/tanzania-projects/
http://solar-aid.org/projects/kenya-projects/

For an overview of the basic products currently available in the market:

http://www.greenlightplanet.com/products.html This is the latest generation of solar lamps with lithium-ion battery pack!
http://www.suntransfer.com/index.php?pageID=43
http://www.toughstuffonline.com/pages/buying-toughstuff-supports-green-energy-africa
http://www.dlightdesign.com/home_africa.php this is used in malawi by solar aid
http://www.barefootpower.com/products_details.html?prod=powa105w
In case you think you can do it, check the Handbook for Energy Entrepreneurs developed by The United Nations Environment Programme's Rural Energy Enterprise Development (REED).

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