Indian Social Entrepreneurs into Clean Energy

I was inspired by an article by Esha Chabbra published on inc.com today . This is another of the remarkable achievement by our Indian friends with a vision to grow and support the under-served and low income population of India. This is also an example for Pakistani businessmen and entrepreneurs to learn and execute in this way to deal with the current energy crisis.

Unfortunately, no political party in Pakistan talks about clean/alternative energy or environment or even have thought about setting up a committee or division to look into these important issues that actually matter for the masses.

Simpa Networks, is a Karnataka based Solar Energy provider started by Microsoft ex-employee and social entrepreneur, Paul Needham in 2010. Simpa builds solar electricity systems that range from $150 to $450 (approx 13,000 to 40,000 Pakistani rupees, with special thanks to current democratic leadership), which is not affordable to be paid by their target market in one bill. Therefore, Simpa has created a installment payment model that not only pays for the consumed electricity but also towards the system ownership. As soon as the system is completely owned by the consumer, which usually exceeds a year, the electricity becomes free.

The equipment also comes with a micro-controller to disable the unit if the bills are not timely paid by the consumers. Following pictures are taken from the website of Simpa Networks of an installation in the home of a cricket bat producer in rural India.