SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; INDIA
PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED
Three solar products including solar lamps and solar lanterns.
Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.
DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION
In the absence of electricity, homes frequently turn to kerosene-based light sources for illuminating their homes. The largest use of subsidized kerosene in the world is in India with around 380 million in 2011 using kerosene as a primary lighting source.
EnEff (Energy Efficiency) will improve access to solar lamps to families in Rajasthan, India through a unique distribution network, a consumer-oriented finance scheme, and a focus on large-scale skill development of individuals living in rural areas with a unique referral scheme.
EnEff will first hold meetings with local farmers, women's groups, local leaders, and small business owners to better understand energy and product needs in target communities. Distribution of solar lamps will be initiated through gram panchayats (locally elected governing bodies) which are active and respected by the local population in order to build public trust in the product and its benefits. The Solar products will also be distributed through NGOs and Village Local Entrepreneurs to end consumers. Distribution channels will include a referral scheme in which every successful referral will earn the referee cash back on the initial value of their purchase amount. To benefit from this scheme, a customer will have a short compulsory briefing from the EnEff team in servicing and sales, indirectly creating a skilled workforce and a trained sales team at minimal cost to the company. Distribution will be coupled with a broad marketing and awareness raising campaign.
PILOT AND SCALING GOALS
Reach 2600 beneficiaries by the end of the three month pilot
Sell 650 solar lamps by the end of the pilot phase
Sell 8,000 solar lamps by the end of year 1
Benefit 30,000 people by the end of year 1
FOUNDING TEAM
Kaushal Kothari - Program Implementation
Kartavya Bhola - Strategist
Neeraj Bhagwatula - Sales, Distribution and Human Resources Manager
Kavya Sravanthi - Publicity, Marketing, and Community Engagement Manager