We offer a low cost pv technique that allows people to have a little electricity and generate some income in developing countries.

It has been shown that it is quite easy to make and use small pv devices including the charging of mobile phones.

 

We find it best to first send our usual pdfs and the spiel below to check that people

understand the limitations of this pv technique and then, when they come back, go into more details.

It is essential to NOT see it as being like a conventional Solar Home System with 20 watts or more!

For the poor, this requires high-interest loans which they often can ill-afford to repay!

 

We have no ambitions of that sort - just small and simple devices so almost anyone can have a little solar electricity

with no chance of shocks or sparks - so no expensive security devices.

In order to minimise costs, we do not sell conventional 'products' but the means for people to pv convert their own lamps, etc.

 

While DIY Solar involves solar pv, we see it more for income creation/empowerment possibilities than for its renewable energy.

It is difficult, but possible, to produce enough power for small computers and TVs, but little more.

 

Most interest has been shown by NGOs and individuals who are using this low cost technique in developing countries

to produce small simple solar battery chargers/lights/mobile chargers, etc. 

Local labour is used to assemble the pv panels as well as adapting radios, etc for solar powering.

 

Above all, it needs imagination in finding its best potential for each situation!

The ultimate aim is to have many small self-sufficient enterprises requiring no further financial support.

It has been done in a few places!

 

We will send several pdfs (if possible) and when you come back we will mail you leaflets, a CD ROM and a free small demonstration sample. 

If you wish to receive this please forward a 'safe' postal address. 

 

When you read the price list you will note several kits at the top but bear in mind that we can only provide one small kit per enquiry

We expect normally to produce a proforma invoice, after being contacted, so clients can see exactly what parts cost for their first project.

 

Below is information about a DIY Solar project in Kenya and how a project was started in Haiti.

There is much more to be found at our website http://biodesign.webeden.co.uk  

 

 

Yours

 

 

Graham Knight

BioDesign (non-profit)  biodes@bigfoot.com

 

 

P.S. We send out an eNotice about once a month that contains info, news etc about DIY Solar but some contacts don't get it.

If you want to make sure of receiving it, please tell us soon so you are put on the list of subscribers!

Otherwise you may receive samples etc but be missing the latest news while we assume you are getting it.