Solar recharging stations: Selling hours of solar lighting

This paper is a concept note on Sunlabob´s latest innovation to tackle the challenge of rural electrification using renewable energy sources in developing countries. A technical and operational description is given of a rechargeable battery lantern and solar charging station rental scheme, which at the time of writing was at a pilot implementation stage. Two key principles drive the innovation. Firstly it is necessary to go beyond improving living conditions through electrification and work towards increasing income in local communities, with the involvement of villagers, and cooperation between the public and private sectors. Secondly service-oriented solutions offer a more sustainable approach than hardware interventions for rural electrification in developing countries. The system was designed as a competitive alternative to the conventional use of kerosene for lighting purposes found in many rural households. End-users pay for a service (i.e. number of hours of lighting) rather than the hardware, in a manner qualitatively similar to the purchase of kerosene. Technical assistance and training is provided by Sunlabob, but the operation and management is undertaken by villagers, in order to empower communities and develop a sense of ownership, and hence ensure sustainability. The battery lantern rental scheme is the product of Sunlabob´s many years of experience in providing electricity using renewable energy sources to rural communities in Laos. A brief market analysis is provided in context of the rechargeable lantern system, and risks and opportunities are considered for investment.