Technical assistance
1. Trained local technicians are preferred in order to
avoid simple mistakes or damage, which result in poor
performance of the solar electric system.
2. The group needs to identify and develop working
partnerships with competent and reputable solar experts
and a local electrical technician. The solar expert will train
the technician on design, installation and maintenance of
the solar system.
3. Procurement - the group should be assisted by solar
experts to look for at least three quotations from credible
suppliers with local outlets and reliable technical backup.
After obtaining quotations, the group should meet, discuss
and agree on which supplier to buy from based on price,
quality, guarantee, after sales service, track record and
accessibility.
4. The group should then ask each participating member to confirm the size of
solar kits they require. Advice from the solar expert will be helpful to enable
the group approach the right supplier. The group can then decide to enter into
a written memorandum of understanding with the supplier, spelling out roles
and responsibilities of each party, terms and conditions of purchase and
supply, number of solar kits and the duration of the project.
Future Activities
1. Credit schemes - credit facilities for solar systems are nonexistent in the
project area. SCODE will enable an increasing number of sensitized households
to acquire solar systems and pay for them while enjoying the benefits of the
service.
2. Training of local electrical technicians - to ensure the installed solar systems
continue working well, it is important to train the fundis on sizes, installations
and maintenance of solar systems. This reduces cases of tampering with
installed systems and increases acceptance of solar technology by the
community. SCODE will initiate a project to train fundis on design, installation,
operation and maintenance of solar PV systems.
3. Income-generating activities - many rural trading centers in the project area are
not connected to grid electricity, yet centers keep coming up due to increasing
demand for goods and services. In such areas, people are unable to use simple
electrical appliances to generate an income due to lack of electrical power.
SCODE will carry out solar energy activities to demonstrate that solar can be
used to generate income. Through the credit scheme, SCODE will support local
people to acquire and use solar systems for such activities.