Our Solar Integrated Development (SID) Model

The Solar Integrated Development ( SID) Model developed by SELF is based on three principles:

SELF Help

Solar electrification projects are chosen by the people in rural communities as full participants, acting on their own behalf. The villagers determine priorities as well as the project scope.

SELF Reliance

Solar systems are purchased by villagers through micro-credit financing. Each family pays for its own system and participates in the ownership of community systems, spreading development funds further to help more people.

SELF Determination

Villagers, both men and women, are trained to install, maintain and replicate their solar systems. In addition, a store of spare parts is provided as part of the initial project funding. Local partners are assisted in establishing a supply chain for continuing purchase of spare parts.

Each project flows from the needs and leadership of the community. The community is committed to and empowered by full participation in all project phases including design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

SELF partners with government, corporations and non-governmental organizations to develop and promote additional technologies and systems such as solar-assisted micro- irrigation, crop-processing equipment, internet connectivity, telemedicine and commercial applications to help broaden the scope and impact of solar-generated electricity.

Evaluations have shown that a solar electric system provides 20 years worth of energy at a fixed cost. Utilizing the latest technologies, such as LED lighting, fuel cells and improved solar components, projects are implemented with the most reliable and cost-effective equipment.

Beyond providing the electrical energy source, the Solar Integrated Model provides targeted applications, tools and hardware such as compact fluorescent lights, sewing machine motors, oil expellers, vaccine refrigerators, water pumps, computers and barber clippers, often through microfinance loans, so that community members have the tools to turn electrical energy into economic empowerment . The goal is not simply that people have electricity; it is that they immediately benefit from having electricity.

For continued assistance and capacity building, time and resources are allocated for one to two years after installations are complete. Also, great care is taken in system design and equipment selection to ensure systems are simple, reliable and easy to maintain.

In all modalities, funds are collected for operation and maintenance of the systems.