A Clean Solar Alternative to Kerosene Lamps, Nepal

A Clean Solar Alternative to Kerosene Lamps, Nepal

This project aims to replace kerosene lamps with solar-based household lighting (known as Solar Tuki) through an integrated approach of community mobilization and technological intervention. This project aims to replace kerosene lamps with solar-based household lighting (known as Solar Tuki) through an integrated approach of community mobilization and technological intervention.

Project Needs and Beneficiaries

In Nepal, those without access to electricity generally rely on kerosene wick lamps (in 2.4 million households). This form of lighting is neither cost-effective nor environment-friendly. Fumes from the kerosene lamps affect the eyes and lungs and contribute to global warming due to release of greenhouse gas. The quality of light is inferior and there is a high risk of accidental fire. Additionally since kerosene has to be imported, government has to spend its limited foreign currency.

Activities

1) Train village youth & support children's club activities, 2) Community orientation, 3) Train on how to form saving & credit groups, 4) Train on repair & maintenance, 5) Distribute solar tuki through microfinancing, 6) Install charging system

Funding Information

Total Funding Received to Date: $2,701
Remaining Goal to be Funded: $97,298
Total Funding Goal: $100,000

Technology: What is solar Tuki
“Solar Tuki” is a White Light Emitting Diodes (WLED) based solar lighting system that consists of two units of 0.3-Watt lamps with built-in Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries which is charged by 3 Watt solar photo voltaic panel. The lamp unit also has a 3 volt outlet for connecting a FM/AM radio. Radio enables access to information - this is an additional benefit of the Solar Tuki.

Approach
Given the relatively low capital cost of the Solar Tuki, it can be mass disseminated, provided that certain support mechanisms are in place. The community initially need to be mobilized and their vision for development need to be created along with the awareness on environment conservation (in general) and application of clean technology (in particular). Before implementing any hardware program in a community, it is necessary that they be made aware on its benefits and application.

As most of the targeted beneficiaries are below the poverty line, most of them will not be able to afford the upfront cost of the Solar Tuki, which is US$50. Therefore, micro financing mechanism has been developed enabling the people to purchase the Solar Tuki on an installment basis. Repayment would not be an additional financial burden since the household would deposit the monthly expenditures that they earlier had on kerosene.