With 40% of the population in Pakistan not connected to the energy grid, EcoEnergyFinance is building a retail network to provide solar lanterns to the rural poor in Sindh, Pakistan to provide an affordable, clean alternative to expensive options such as kerosene lanterns. Our goal is to provide last mile distribution of solar lanterns and after sales support to 600 or more families. In addition, jobs will be created to support these efforts and all profits will be reinvested into our efforts.
Currently 65 million people in Pakistan are not connected to the electric grid and must meet their energy needs by other means. The rural poor spend $3-10 per month on batteries for flashlights or kerosene for lanterns, which emit harmful fumes and pose a fire hazard. Those unable to afford these options or find alternatives face limited productivity by nightfall. Solar lanterns are an affordable, safe alternative that will save families both time and money, while increasing productivity.
We sell solar lantern products that retail $10-40 depending on the features. For the rural poor, who spend $3-10 on fuel each month, solar lanterns are an affordable option that saves money by eliminating the recurring cost of fuel. EcoEnergyFinance will also partner with local organizations to help customers utilize these products for income generation. For example, by teaching embroidery to women, they can use their solar lanterns to work at night and sell their products during the day.
Families can use the time and money that they normally spend on fuel for other household necessities. In addition, they can also use the lanterns to extend their productivity into the nighttime by studying or engaging in income generating activities, they can improve their livelihoods and escape the cycle of poverty.
