Solutions Using Renewable Energy Inc. (SURE), has successfully implemented a rural electrification program using solar cells for power. The solar powered grid provides electricity to the barangays (town) of Asibanglan, Limos and Ba-ay in Pinukpuk, Kalinga. The 3 towns have been without electricity, despite the nearest transmission line being only 7 km away.
Using a subsidized financing program, SURE has been able to provide the towns with 440 units of 12-watt solar panels which along with it includes a seven-watt compact fluorescent lantern and a 12V/7AH battery. Along with that are solar-powered recharging stations for each of the three barangays. This will allow the residents to recharge items powered by rechargeable batteries like cellphones, laptops, and televisions. The cost of the entire endeavor was about P2.93 million.
According to SURE’s community partner in the project, Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDDS), the project has been really beneficial to the inhabitants of the town. Since it allowed them to be more productive. Before, they would stop working on their source of livelihood (making handicrafts) once night had fallen. And half the income of that would usually be used to buy kerosene and candles for their lighting.
SURE is an affiliate of Japan’s MG Leasing Corp.
Even without the laptop and television. The key thing there is that they will have access to communications, news and information. Communications in the form of text messages and phone calls. News and Information in the form of the hundred radio programs in the AM band that provide a lot of information and livelihood tips that we take for granted but are extremely beneficial to rural life.
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Category: Solar, Off Grid
