Solar Home System

Grameen Shakti, a non-profit organization founded out of Grameen Bank, is committed to providing solutions to the people of Bangladesh in order to improve their quality of life, while paying attention to the impact we have on the planet. With the majority of the country’s population living without access to the electricity grid, it becomes necessary to look to renewable sources for energy needs. Grameen Shakti uses PV modules imported from Japan in order to install solar home systems to houses in Bangladesh. Depending on household income and family needs, Grameen Shakti installs smaller systems that deliver 10 to 20 Wp, and larger systems at around 40 to 120 Wp. The larger system is ideal for powering a sufficient set of lights, a radio, and phone charger. Smaller modules power LED lights.

The charge controllers are manufactured by Grameen Shakti itself, but LED lights and batteries are purchased from companies in Bangladesh. A 50 Wp system can cost around 215 pounds, whereas a smaller 20 Wp system can cost around 115 pounds. After putting down a small payment (between 15 - 25%), purchasers receive a loan that they can pay in three years.

In 1996, Grameen Bank started the non-profit organization Grameen Shakti. This independent arm was founded for the purpose of providing renewable energy to household in rural Bangladesh. Rural homeowners in Bangladesh rely heavily on firewood, which takes time to collect. Furthermore, the constant burning of firewood and waste causes indoor air pollution that is harmful to those living within homes. Not only is Grameen Shakti committed to providing electricity through renewable sources, but it is also focused on providing biogas and alternative stove options to reduce the need for firewood.

Publicly available: yes
Countries where available: Bangladesh