Solar Light in Rural India
In many Indian rural villages family members huddle around chulahs (earthen stove) which is often the only source of light and warmth after sunset. Most households sparingly use kerosene oil lamps and many lack the last mile connectivity to access power. Absence of electricity affects their livelihoods, safety and children's education. However, with access to clean energy and solar lamps many households are able to support their livelihoods, children are able to study at night and women feel safe going out. This photo story highlights how access to solar lamps have improved people's wellbeing in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.
More about the program: The USAID PACE-D TA Program is a part of the overall Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE) initiative, the flagship program under the US-India Energy Dialogue. Under its Renewable Energy component the program focused on support to Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) known as the PACE-D TA Microfinance Support Program (MSP), to increasing the awareness of clean energy technologies. The program benefitted over 1.9 million household members in several states in India.
Arc Finance, a global non-profit enterprise, partnered with Bandhan in West Bengal to provide eco-friendly electricity at low-cost to several households.
For more details about the project visit:
https://www.pace-d.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Pace-D-MSP-Policy-Paper.pdf
Using solar lamp at night, Papiya is able to study longer and improve her academic scores.
Habitulla Laskar and Morjana Laskar are happy to have their homes solar powered at night.
Papiya, Sonali and Thanisha are able to study together using their solar lamps.
At night children are not allowed outside homes. Raj and Habibul can now play board games under solar lamps.
Sabir Laskar's delicate brocade embroidery work is now possible after dark.
Ali and his daughter Anisha having their dinner late evening.
Women and girls feel safe to go out after dark for their toilet needs using solar lamps.
Pinki with her daughter Anisha, one the beneficiaries who received solar lamps.
Many sculptors are now able to spend long hours to create thousands of sculptures of their deity goddess Durga for festival season.
Artisans making traditional wedding decorations are able to add to their income by working after sunset.
Families often come together to work and spend time under solar lamps.
Working women in urban slums that receive little to no electricity find solar lamps useful.
Women in West Bengal returning home with their new solar lamps.
Women feel safe to keep their shops open late in the evenings.