Solar micro-grids have been popping up in developing countries from Africa to Bangladesh.
Micro-grids allow a group of homes to connect to a field of solar panels. According to Forbes, micro-grids are popular because the spread the cost of solar power across the entire village. They are also partially funded by non-profits and social venture capitalists.
While great in theory, solar micro-grids have yet to be the reliable power source they seek to be.
“Unfortunately, a recent study I conducted with my colleagues in the state of Bihar, one of the poorest regions in India, suggests they may have a tough time. A mix of inefficient policy, conflicting incentives and unreliable operations can ultimately lead to a product that consumers do not want.” Anat Sudarshan, Forbes Contributor
Not Enough Power
Anat’s review of solar micro-grids showed that many villagers were not willing to sign-up for solar power through the micro-grid because it would not provide enough power for a television or fan. The Aldelano Solar PowerPak can power a small home or an entire village and provide the robust solution villagers are seeking.
Aldelano Solar Cold Chain Solutions go beyond micro-grids to provide communities with solar solutions for cold storage, clean water generated from water in the air and even ice. Our solutions require little to no maintenance, ensuring reliable solar power. They also come ready-to-use, providing communities with easy to operate solutions.
Unresolved Challenges
Solar micro-grids must resolve some challenges before they can become a sustainable reality. They must provide greater incentive than their competition, which includes government regulated alternatives such as kerosene, and enough stable power to meet the needs of the community. Micro-grids also require customer density, which means a high number of customers in a small area. Many developing nations such as Africa have remote villages, where high density is not likely. Larger coverage areas will require higher labor costs.
With upfront costs and little maintenance, our solutions have the power to be one of the most cost-effective sustainable solar solutions for developing nations. Aldelano Solar Cold Chain Solutions are mobile, reliable and provide long-term savings. There is no waiting or disconnect between community needs and resources.
Non-profits who choose Aldelano Solar Cold Chain Solutions have the power to provide mobile, solar resources or create bases of operation for sustainable, long-term work in developing regions. The Aldelano Solar PowerPak can be used to power an entire village, functioning as a micro-grid, but with far greater power capabilities than other alternatives on the market.
We believe in creating solar resources that align with community needs to provide long lasting, easy to use solutions. Contact our team to discover how our Solar PowerPak can offer robust power to an entire village.
Citations:
Sudarshan, Anant. “Enthusiasm For Solar Micro-Grids In Developing World Gets A Sobering Reality Check In India.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 13 Oct. 2016, www.forbes.com/sites/ucenergy/2016/10/13/enthusiasm-for-solar-micro-grids-in-developing-world-gets-a-sobering-reality-check-in-india/2/#6da12b375b02.