Such a project is now being rolled out in the South-East Asian country of Laos.

Sunlabob hopes to bring a variety of solar products to a country where 74% of the population lives on less than $2 per day, and only 48% are connected to the electric grid.

The solar initiative comes on two fronts.

One is solar-powered lanterns that are rented out at rates that are competitive with the cost of the dirty kerosene that previously powered their lanterns.

The other initiative is where it rents out PV solar panels to village committees, which then sub-lease the solar panels to homeowners.

A local person is trained to perform maintenance on the solar panels which is included in the cost.

So far, 5600 systems have been installed in 450 villages. The program relies entirely on rental costs to cover expenses, no outside subsidies are needed.

This is a great idea. In those remote rural areas where people do not have access to inexpensive, clean and safe electricity, this is a viable solution.

The villagers can turn there houses into homes that will be self sufficient in their energy needs. A great win/win situation.

For more information on the Sunlabob Solar Energy Homes

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