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Renewable generation (100 households would require 300 watts-peak of solar panels, approximately four panels) Battery bank (100 households would require 200 amp-hour of storage capacity) Power distribution; power is distributed for predefined time at 24 volts direct current. The distribution system is designed to limit distribution distances to under 100 metres from the generation source. Through the use of LED lights, power consumption per household is reduced by more than 90% compared to other solar-powered micro grids, cutting the cost of the village-level facility by more than 90% (each household is installed with two or four LED modules).
Village identification and engagement is conducted by MGPs NGO partner, the Sarathi Development Foundation. A local electrician is trained to fix up household light installation and the installation takes about two weeks to complete. The electrician visits the village every two weeks to inspect the system, connect new customers, and disconnect non-paying customers. Solar panels are washed once a month to remove any dust accumulated on the panels. Tariff is collected by the local womens group within the village. MGP is continually improving its technical design, aiming to provide its customers with better service at a lower price. They are currently evaluating and integrating improved components into MGPs design. In particular, MGP expects to increase the luminosity of its lights to 100 lumens by use of improved and more efficient LED bulbs. It also intends to identify ways to use mobile phone technology to strengthen its operation GSM-controlled switches will be identified and installed as an improved technology for remotely controlled turning power stations off in response to non-payment.
economics
The actual project expenditure for a village of 100 households is Rs 2,48,380 approximately,. Operation and maintenance costs are estimated to be approximately 12% of the capital expenditures. Labour requirements will be limited to tariff collection, solar panel cleaning, and regular inspection of the facility. Tariff collection cost per village is Rs 4,516 per year. The average household tariff for lighting is Rs 70 per month for two lights. For a village of 100 households, revenues are estimated to be Rs 83,997. After covering the operation and maintenance expenses, the profit is estimated to be Rs 74,967 for a village of 100 households, resulting in a repayment period of less than three years.
scale-up potential
MGP aims to reach 100 villages and 7,000 clients by the end of 2012. Capital costs to cover equipment will be secured by October 2011. However, additional resources are required to test methods for mobile facility controls, hire and train a small team, and bring in consultants from the micro finance sector to develop a strong payment collection process.
Impacts
Generated 15% minimum return on investment for investors Reduced operational cost and simplified operations to allow MGP to focus on scaling up rather than maintaining projects Reduced cost of running rural households immediately while providing improved lighting Provided rural households with quality, clean electric lighting (reduced kerosene consumption and the time spent on obtaining kerosene), and reduced indoor air pollution. Reduced household lighting expenses. Improved student enrollment. Facilitated time such that adults can engage in income-generating activities at night and children can study late into the evening Lesser environmental pollution leading to lesser clinic visits for respiratory problems
sustainability
Carbon emissions can be reduced by reducing the dependency on kerosene. As MGPs facilities provide lights with a far greater luminosity than kerosene lantern (one light is 10 times as bright as a kerosene wick lantern), MGP has contributed towards the productivity of the population. The strong potential value of MGPs facilities for the women in its customer villages coupled with the observed strong demand by women to have the improved lighting in the kitchens has led MGP to believe that its outreach activities must integrate female social awareness builders who can demonstrate the improvement MGPs services can have on their lives.