First D.light Solar Village!

The Situation:
New Keringa is a village in Southern Orissa, India, with 47 families.  All families were 100% dependent on kerosene for lighting.  Most of the villagers crush rocks all day to earn a living.  They also make plates out of banana leaves that are sold at the market.  New Keringa villagers are amongst the poorest in India, with an average monthly income of $12 USD.

The Solution:
D.light links Beyond Solar, an American non-profit, with Southern Orissa Volunteer Association (SOVA), a local NGO.

Day 1: Leave trial D.light Novas in the village for families to “touch & feel” the new technology

Day 2: Explain the benefits of solar lighting and LED technology with SOVA’s assistance
 

Picture: SOVA volunteer and Jeff from Beyond Solar explaining the light to the community.

Day 4: Sell entire stock of Novas by providing financing – villagers make a down payment with weekly installments

ENTIRE VILLAGE WAS LIT IN ONE WEEK!
Beyond Solar doubles their order with D.light

Key Results:

• 100% on-time repayment to date
• Average monthly family income has increased from $12 USD to $18 USD (50%); families are now able to work at night to earn an extra $0.20 / day
• Each family used to consume 11 liters of kerosene, spending $3/month.  The consumption of kerosene is now 0 liters!  They also save 9 hours/week on commuting
• The children are now able to study

Pictures (all courtesy Beyond Solar): Kids enjoy the bright light of the Nova; woman in home with kerosene; woman in home with D.light

Thanks, Beyond Solar (www.beyondsolar.org) and SOVA, for all your hard work in making bright solar light a reality for the entire village of New Keringa.