Other issues of importance discussed while creating awareness about solar energy
included:
• what a complete solar PV system comprises
• how a solar PV system works and what it is capable of doing
• how to operate and maintain it
• common problems experienced by solar users and how to solve or avoid them.
By the end of the campaign, the groups had started viewing solar energy as a viable
option.
Working with community groups
SCODE worked with groups registered with the Ministry of Culture and Social
Services. These were groups with good records of accomplishment, visionary and
democratic leadership and the ability to finance solar systems either in part or in full.
Screening of groups included asking them to apply in writing to SCODE requesting
participation in the project. A copy of their registration certificate, a brief account of
the group's history, membership, activities and their future plans were also submitted.
SCODE then sent solar technicians to visit the approved groups to discuss the
project's purpose and mode of operation. The groups nominated members to
participate in the project.
Some of the groups that participated in the project were:
1. Mwekuria Maili Tano Women's Group
2. Solai Mifugo Bora Self-Help Group
3. Kumenya Self-Help Group
4. Ndungiri Mutukanio 'C' Women's Water Project Group
5. Thimaku Self-Help Group
6. Jitegemea Youth Group
7. Umoja Youth Group
8. Bahati Kilimo Self-Help Group
9. Chania Catchment Self-Help Group
10. Ime Urumwe Solai Self-Help Group
11. Jasho Matangi Self-Help Group
12. Ukweli Self-Help Group
13. Kimuri Self-Help Group
14. Community-Based Health Care - Lower Subukia
15. Salkicheb Tank Self-Help Group
16. Kahuho Tree & Fruit Self-Help Group
Project set-up
SCODE carried out an energy audit of the households where the solar systems were to
be installed. They requested household heads tor their energy demands and matched
that with an appropriate solar kit. The majority settled for kits providing less energy
than their requirements because they could not afford bigger systems. In such cases,
the project team trained the user on how to cope with its limited power output. For