The project trained users at three key stages:
1. Before installation: a series of workshops were held to expose potential users to
the various technical, social and financial challenges faced by solar users and
how to overcome them.
2. During installation: individual household members were trained by the
technician on how the system works. This enabled the family to understand the
various parts of their system, how they relate to each other and how to use the
system to maximize benefits. They were also informed on the do's and don'ts
associated with the system and when to seek the technician or supplier's
assistance.
3. After installation: After using the system for a while, the solar energy users
came together to share experiences with technicians and suppliers. This helped
mainstream their views, observations and thinking with technically accepted
practices.
Monitoring and evaluation activities
Before the start of the project, group members compiled information on their energy
situation which was used to gauge the impact of the project by the individual groups.
This included:
• the energy systems used in the house for lighting and running electrical
appliances
• the amount of money spent on lighting and running these appliances
• the number and type of television sets and radios; how they were powered and
how often they were used
• the number of homes with access to television sets and radios
• the seasons when television sets and radios were purchased and the mode of
payment.
Using the above information, the following indicators were used to establish the
impact of the project:
• the increase in the number of solar lighting appliances
• the increase in the number of hours in which television sets and radios were in
use
• the reduction in the amount of kerosene used for lighting
• the increase in the number of television sets and radios.