Solar trainings material
2004
Market research for Free Energy Europe. Free Energy Europe is a french manufacturer of cost effective solar electric panels for developing nations. The field research took place in the Kenyan central highlands.
Goal
Learn from the successes from the Kenyan solar economy and see what insights can be applied to neighbouring countries like Tanzania and Uganda.
Research activities
Literature research, Defining stakeholders, Field research, interviews, Feedback loops
Insights
The research uncovered the following questions to aid adoption of solar panels in Sub Saharan Africa:
How do you communicate the quality of a solar panel?
How may people save up for a solar electric home?
How may they secure their investment? The power of analogy storytelling solar PV.
What myths need to be overcome to ensure widespread PV adoption?
Outcome
Recommendations on best practice. Guidelines for visual communication. Underline the opportunity for locally organised savings schemes that enable solar PV purchasing.
“…because I fear them, because they told me if I interfere with it, you destroy it and they are not answerable.”
Samuel Vuente, Solar panel owner, Meru - Kenya
Juakali toolkit
Modsan hardware technician, Nanyuki - Kenya
“With the Kalenjin tribe if you win one of them as a dealer then you win them all!”
Edith Botto, Electronics store owner. Nakuru - Kenya
Installation manual prototype
Locally hand painted marketing materials
