A Clean Solar Alternative to Kerosene Lamps, Nepal

Summary

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.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

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.

How will this project solve this problem?

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

Potential Long Term Impact

Improvement in quality of life, health (especially of children and women), and studying conditions; increase in evening economic activity; reduction in fire hazards, environmental pollution, global warming, and dependency on imported kerosene.

Project Message

"No more waiting in kerosene queues for me, and no more money spent on batteries for the radio! No more fear of fire and smoke. All it takes is a flick of a switch to put it on and off!"
- Nara Bahadur Tamang, beneficiary of Solar Tuki installed in his home