electronics from the Information Technology Institute (www.iti.gov.eg/). The solar unit of Pragati Prathisthan employs 6‐7 people. They are each paid 6000 INR (90€) per month. The unit trains and guides them to work in the field and they get jobs either in the unit or elsewhere. For example, in Hajiali, Mumbai they train other disabled people. Before working in this unit, they were either employed elsewhere or were studying; a few studied only till 10th grade. Even illiterate children, young people and adults can receive training and work in this unit or where they get an opportunity. The centre has trained 320 local solar systems operations and maintenance people for 160 villages. The staff members work to provide electricity to villages without electricity. Initially, they meet with the Panchayat (village governing body) to inform the villagers of their scheme. If the village agrees, they run the process of establishing a system to provide electricity forward. Business Model Once the village has given the go ahead to install solar electricity systems in every household, a survey is conducted to understand the lighting needs of the village and its households. For example, the rural village of Asara Gaon, barely has 6 households, and doesn’t have too many lighting requirements. “On approaching Asara Gaon, the children ran helter skelter and the women chatted away in the small courtyard, lit by a single powerful solar street lamp.”
MCSC Providing village‐level energy services in developing countries | October 2012 | 117