Need

In Nepal, those who do not have access to electricity generally rely on kerosene based wick lamp ( 2.4 million households, Central Bureau of Statistics/His Majesty's Government, Nepal/2001). This form of lighting is neither cost effective nor is it "environment friendly". On the macro level, since kerosene has to be imported, government has to spend its limited foreign currency reserve. On the micro level, fumes from the tuki affect the eyes and lungs, contribute to global warming due to release of greenhouse gas (CO 2 ), the quality of light is inferior and there is a high risk of accidental fire hazards. Aim The aim of the project is to displace kerosene wicked lamps by solar based household lighting (known as Solar Tuki ) through the integrated approach of community mobilization and technological intervention.

Traditional Kerosene Wicked Lamp Solar Tuki Set

Technology: What is solar Tuki

"Solar Tuki " is a White Light Emitting Diodes (WLED) based solar lighting system that consists of two units of 0.3-Watt lamps with built-in Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries which is charged by 3 Watt solar photo voltaic panel. The lamp unit also has a 3 volt outlet for connecting a FM/AM radio. Radio enables access to information - this is an additional benefit of the Solar Tuki .

The fully charged Solar Tuki works continuously with bright light for eight hours thus adding working time. The light could be used for studies and indoor work, including additional income generating works. This will in turn have a positive impact on the standard of living.

Approach

As the targeted beneficiaries are below the poverty line, most of them are not able to afford the upfront cost of the Solar Tuki . Therefore, Revolving Fund has been initiated and micro-financing mechanism developed. Local (village level) saving and credit groups / cooperatives have been mobilized and the micro-financing scheme launched through them, enabling the people to purchase the Solar Tuki on an installment basis.

The money from the sold units is again used to extend the program either through re-financing to more households in the same locality or to launch the program to new sites – thereby spreading its usage and supporting the overall LIGHT FOR ALL campaign.The selling of solar tuki to those who can afford the price also helps to create interest among poor and underprivileged communities and wide spread its usage to the rural poor.

Solar Tuki Application	Solar Tuki Demonstration	Discussion with the villagers	Firewood for sale
Kerosene line	Orientation to the villagers	Drama Presentation	Maintenance-hands on
Orientation for Women	Solar Tuki Orientation	Training children on renewable energy	Repair and Maintainance Training praticipants Mar 06
Repair Training-hands onMar 06	Solar panel mounted outside the window	Sharing during solar tuki workshop for members of House of Representatives	Participants of solar tuki sharing workshop for members of House of Representatives
Solar tuki-walk for community awareness