Published
November 21, 2016, 10:00 PM By Myrna M. Velasco
Solar technology is
deemed a thriving energy solution for poor households and communities at
off-grid areas, but for this to become sustainable, the business model has to
viably make its way with the banks for social financing.
In an interview with
journalists, Ramon Magsaysay awardee Dr. Harish Hande, noted that India’s
“social enterprise ecosystem” with the deployment of solar energy (SE) can well
be replicated in the Philippines but with much needed financial support that may
even be done through rural banks.
He said the business
model is ideal for off-grid applications, which is highly relevant for the
archipelagic nature of the Philippine electricity systems.
Via their India SELCO
team, Hande noted that they will provide guidance in the design and actual
replication process of solar energy for the country’s chosen project areas. It
will be done in collaboration with Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) as the
Philippine partner.
“SELCO will provide
specific technical advice on the design of sound solar energy solutions that
will be affordable for poor communities,” Hande said.
He added that part of
the assistance they will do for their local foundation-partner will be “on the
development of organizational structures and management systems for the solar
energy enterprises that will be set up by the project stakeholders.”
The PEF, on the other,
will make its bargaining chip on the financing structure of projects –
primarily with loans or credit facilities that may be made available to poor
households or families availing of the solar solution.
“As the country’s key
advocate of solar energy (SE) for the poor, PEF will mobilize its SE partners
and renewable energy stakeholders to actively participate in the SELCO
replication project,” the foundation emphasized.
Additionally, the Ramon
Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute will be providing “research and
process expertise to assist PEF and SELCO in designing and managing the complex
processes involved in the replication project.”
Hande said poor
communities had the simplest questions when it comes to solar technology –
whether it will work for them and can they afford it.
Hence, these are the
two major concerns that project stakeholders must concretely address in the
technology deployment for them.
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