Recent DIY Solar eNotices

DIY 'Training' - Lighting up Africa - Helping start DIY Solar projects - Technical Solutions - SELF project

It is often a puzzle when we are asked to provide 'training' for DIY Solar.

In some cases it is certainly needed in order to know how to organise a business - any business - but not often for the electrical side.

We supply a free sample consisting of rechargeable battery, solar panel, terminal block etc.

In many cases it just needs duplicating and if queries arise they can be dealt with by email.

Even for more power, the connections remain the same while the battery, panel etc grow a little in size!

In other words, if you have handled a screwdriver you don't often need technical help. And most puzzles can be solved by email.

World Bank Help?

It seems the World Bank has decided to do some good!

They still want to finance massive dams, that do more harm than good (for the people) but, as you will see below, will soon be financing useful solar projects.

Even we have been contacted! Visit http://lightingafrica.org/

The bad news is that despite what you might read this will only help those that can afford $1000 or more. Ask us for more info.

Can You Help?

Here is the first appeal for help following the piece in the last N/L. Please contact Karen directly if you wish to contribute.

Hi Graham

I bet you thought you weren't going to hear from me again, but I've only just found a secure way of sending solar panels to Uganda. Your sample went to the literacy learners and they want to try to use it for lighting of course.

 I'm ready to start a project with them to charge cell phone batteries instead so they can see if they can generate an income. This is combined with a number of other income generating projects this group of 3 women have on the go. They are the core group that we want to grow the project with.

They've taken some photos of their agricultural projects, but haven't got the money to pay to have the negatives developed!

Is there any way we could be considered for support from your people in the UK who are willing to donate to start the solar panel projects? One woman is so keen she's taken it upon herself to write a proposal to send to me so I can try to find funding for it. I really think this group is about to take off and they have been groomed and have the support of my colleague that started our NGO.

What would I need to provide to you to be put on the list of potential projects for support?

Thanks for your help

By the way, I religiously read your newsletters and make sure they get them in Uganda too so this group really is prepared to take this on.

Karen Smith

CEO KWEEGA