# Design Expo 2014: Online Discussion - Access to Energy **URL:** \ **Category:** Innovation\ **Created:** [June 3, 2014, 12:51am UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271 "2014-06-03T00:51:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Gaston\_Bilder](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/gaston_bilder/32/18496_2.png) [@Gaston\_Bilder](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Gaston_Bilder)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:03pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/41 "2014-06-09T15:03:21Z")
Warranties? reparability of the product? ---
**Author:** ![Davinia\_Cogan](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/davinia_cogan/32/22025_2.png) [@Davinia\_Cogan](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Davinia_Cogan)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:04pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/42 "2014-06-09T15:04:18Z")
After sales and customer service are crucial. Many customers have seen government or donor funded energy projects come in, function for one year (if they're lucky), and then nothing. Businesses need to build trust and customer satisfaction to ensure these technologies maximise impact. ---
**Author:** ![Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/vincenzo_capogna/32/21819_2.png) [@Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Vincenzo_Capogna)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:04pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/43 "2014-06-09T15:04:57Z")
warranty: if the product is faulty we'll replace it for free. reparability: we repair some products but we might charge if the product has been damage by the customer's improper use ---
**Author:** ![Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/vincenzo_capogna/32/21819_2.png) [@Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Vincenzo_Capogna)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:06pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/44 "2014-06-09T15:06:40Z")
SunnyMoney distributes products form different manufacturers (d.light, green light planet, etc..) and we offer the warranty as stated by them. ---
**Author:** ![Titilola\_Adisa](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/titilola_adisa/32/19478_2.png) [@Titilola\_Adisa](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Titilola_Adisa)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:07pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/45 "2014-06-09T15:07:29Z")
Solar energy and bio gas ---
**Author:** ![Davinia\_Cogan](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/davinia_cogan/32/22025_2.png) [@Davinia\_Cogan](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Davinia_Cogan)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:08pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/46 "2014-06-09T15:08:45Z")
Re. repairability. Most products are not locally manufactured and need to be returned to point of manufacturing. But products like OneDegree Solar's BrightBox are designed to be serviced locally. Their parts can also be found in most towns. [onedegreesolar.com](http://onedegreesolar.com) ---
**Author:** ![Titilola\_Adisa](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/titilola_adisa/32/19478_2.png) [@Titilola\_Adisa](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Titilola_Adisa)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:09pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/47 "2014-06-09T15:09:40Z")
I will kike to know about this . ---
**Author:** ![Robert\_Silbermann](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/cdc98d/32.png) [@Robert\_Silbermann](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Robert_Silbermann)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:11pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/48 "2014-06-09T15:11:56Z")
How widely are lights distributed in Africa? My impression is that most of them are distributed in east Africa. And what about the mix between rural and urban sales? What else is on the horizon/being sold now other than solar lights? ---
**Author:** ![zahid](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/zahid/32/23941_2.png) [@zahid](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/zahid)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:12pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/49 "2014-06-09T15:12:04Z")
That's a very good point, Mrinmoy. We're going to be joined on tomorrow's [Twitter Jam](http://community.businessfightspoverty.org/page/design-expo-2014-twitter-jam-designing-for-the-base-of-the-pyrami) by Shell Foundation, who've been strong proponents of clean cookstoves. ---
**Author:** ![Titilola\_Adisa](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/titilola_adisa/32/19478_2.png) [@Titilola\_Adisa](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Titilola_Adisa)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:12pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/50 "2014-06-09T15:12:05Z")
A training on maintenance of any solar product will enhance the sales of the product. ---
**Author:** ![Nicole\_Evans](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/ccd318/32.png) [@Nicole\_Evans](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Nicole_Evans)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:13pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/51 "2014-06-09T15:13:15Z")
This is what i found with [www.bboxx.co.uk](http://www.bboxx.co.uk). ---
**Author:** ![Mrinmoy\_Das1](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/mrinmoy_das1/32/20027_2.png) [@Mrinmoy\_Das1](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Mrinmoy_Das1)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:13pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/52 "2014-06-09T15:13:19Z")
Friends, please follow [http://www.energyville.com/energyville/](http://www.energyville.com/energyville/) ---
**Author:** ![zahid](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/zahid/32/23941_2.png) [@zahid](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/zahid)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:15pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/53 "2014-06-09T15:15:09Z")
Can we turn to our third question - around the role of governments... Q3: What should governments do to help drive access to energy, including for women and children? ---
**Author:** ![Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/vincenzo_capogna/32/21819_2.png) [@Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Vincenzo_Capogna)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:16pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/54 "2014-06-09T15:16:07Z")
SunnyMoney has sold more than 1M lights in East Africa and we take care of the last-mile distribution (reaching the end customer in rural and remote areas). We are expanding quickly and form last year we have started operations in Senegal. Total is also a big distributor of solar product through their service station network. ---
**Author:** ![Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/vincenzo_capogna/32/21819_2.png) [@Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Vincenzo_Capogna)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:17pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/55 "2014-06-09T15:17:07Z")
in terms of other products: rechargeable radios are very attractive one and of course also cookstoves ---
**Author:** ![Davinia\_Cogan](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/davinia_cogan/32/22025_2.png) [@Davinia\_Cogan](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Davinia_Cogan)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:17pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/56 "2014-06-09T15:17:21Z")
There are many variations of solar - we see solar lanterns, solar 'kits' which power lights and charge mobile phones, and also solar home systems (like BBOXX) that can power multiple appliances such as fridges and TVs. In terms of the market, I believe the greatest demand is for lighting, phone charging and entertainment. One of the emerging energy access models is solar mini-grids that can connect hundreds of households at once and provide a range of energy applications (TV, radio etc.). ---
**Author:** ![Gaurav\_Mehta](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/a698b9/32.png) [@Gaurav\_Mehta](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Gaurav_Mehta)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:18pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/57 "2014-06-09T15:18:42Z")
Governments should drive awareness around the causes in my view to support the behaviour change process around the issues. ---
**Author:** ![Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/vincenzo_capogna/32/21819_2.png) [@Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Vincenzo_Capogna)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:18pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/58 "2014-06-09T15:18:48Z")
1) to help the market of distribute energy solutions: reducing or eliminating the taxes (VAT and importation taxes) on products like pico-solar lights and energy efficient cook stoves. 2) To run educational campaigns about RE and money saving energy solutions through schools, radio, television, etc. 3) Evaluating (and supporting) energy policies and energy projects not (just) in terms of installed capacity and MWh but also (mainly) in terms of extension of energy access (no. of off-grid people with access to a modern energy form) and services provided (to promote efficient use of energy). ---
**Author:** ![Liam\_Carson](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Liam\_Carson](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Liam_Carson)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:20pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/59 "2014-06-09T15:20:25Z")
Are there currently many developing countries which have tax exemptions or reductions on solar products? ---
**Author:** ![Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/vincenzo_capogna/32/21819_2.png) [@Vincenzo\_Capogna](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Vincenzo_Capogna)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2014, 3:20pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271/60 "2014-06-09T15:20:34Z")
this could be interesting: [http://www.differgroup.com/Portals/53/The%20way%20towards%20universal%20access%20%20-%20putting%20value%20on%20electricity%20services.pdf](http://www.differgroup.com/Portals/53/The%20way%20towards%20universal%20access%20%20-%20putting%20value%20on%20electricity%20services.pdf) [Previous page](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271.md?page=2) [Next page](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/design-expo-2014-online-discussion-access-to-energy/271.md?page=4)