Solar power

Solar power is the conversion of solar radiation into heat or electric power for use as an energy source. Solar radiation is more intense closer to the equator, where many developing countries are located.

The two major forms of solar technologies are passive solar and active solar technologies. Passive solar uses materials that magnify solar heat, generally to dry food or heat water. Active solar produces electricity through photovoltaic panels.

While a few enterprises covered are working with passive solar (VANREPA / Green Power has done a number of projects with solar water purifiers and food dryers), most of the enterprises covered on the map using solar focus on active solar, selling and/or installing either fixed panels for attachment to buildings, or portable panels, lights, and other solar products.
 

Fixed solar

This type of solar power consists of panels fixed to houses or businesses and used to power lights and appliances. They are often sold customized to user needs and income levels, with different numbers of panels for different amount of power. Similarly these systems are often associated with modular products (i.e. lamps, plugs, etc.) that customers can scale up if they want. Generally, their capacity is between 5-50W (can be much higher). This is enough to power lamps, mobile phones, radios and sometimes televisions or laptops. Depending on panel size and the number of lights or appliances, systems cost between $100-$2,500 (see Grameen Shakti‘s pricing list for an idea of range).
 

Portable power products

This type of solar power consists of panels fixed to houses or businesses and used to power lights and appliances. They are often sold customized to user needs and income levels, with different numbers of panels for different amount of power. Similarly these systems are often associated with modular products (i.e. lamps, plugs, etc.) that customers can scale up if they want. Generally, their capacity is between 5-50W (can be much higher). This is enough to power lamps, mobile phones, radios and sometimes televisions or laptops. Depending on panel size and the number of lights or appliances, systems cost between $100-$2,500 (see Grameen Shakti‘s pricing list for an idea of range).