Testing times - Microsolar prototypes in action

As SolarAid's Design and Production Coordinator I have been visiting all four of our programme countries to carry out research on two brand new microsolar prototypes.

Whilst in Zambia, I was delayed on leaving for Lundazi because of car trouble. This meant I was able to get to know the Zambian team a bit better which was great. I was also able to admire the painted wall outside the office, which did a great job to advertise the benefits of solar and of course, SunnyMoney! It definitely works as there was a good stream of people enquiring in the office.

SunnyMoney advertisement painted on the wall outside the office.

In Lundazi I visited new schools to talk to them about our macrosolar programme and to advertise our SunnyMoney products. We arrived at one school as it was getting dark, it was poignant that the teachers had started taking tables outside to make the most of the failing light. I asked them to stop and explained that we had enough solar power to light the room. Once inside we turned on both of our prototypes to full power and hung them in the room, it was fantastic!

After Country Business Manager,Trevor Robson had finished talking about the macrosolar programme (the larger solar panels which are installed to offer solar energy to power an entire school) I asked those in attendance to look above them at the two designs hanging from the rafters. I explained what I was doing out in Zambia and asked them to consider each design carefully. As I said what each design could do the room became very excited. We took the prototypes down and passed them around the room. When asked which one they would prefer if they could only have one it was a 50/50 split! Great to see that both ideas are appealing to people.

The Zambian team. From Left to right: Robin, Klara, Trevor, Regina and William.

Look out for more blogs to come on all our programme blogs.

Marianne

To support our team in Zambia please make a donation here.