Jul 27 2010
Solar energy, which is a clean source of energy, has great potential if it is regulated and inexpensive for consumers with low wages To meet this goal Solar for All has been conducting a design competition that is run by the Canopus Foundation to stumble on and reward technical innovations that make use of solar photovoltaic technology most appropriate for the developing world in terms of cost and accessibility.
Professor Eicke Weber who is the executive director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy ISE is the chairman of the jury who believes that the Solar for All Design Contest has brought together a number of the best ground-breaking technical solutions to provide both reliable and sustainable results to consumers who have no access to electricity.
Fifty eight companies and organizations from 29 countries participated and the following four participants were chosen as finalists: Greenlight Planet, Kaito Energie, Phaesun and Promethean Power Systems.
The applicants have showcased the innovative advancements that have taken place in the modularity and scalability of photovoltaic solutions for the off-grid market presenting imbursement schemes and inventive distribution channels. Lanterns, mini-grids, hybrid solutions and pico solar and home systems using solar energy were some of the products targeted at, and addressing the requirements of low income groups.
On July 22, 2010 the winners of the Solar for All Contest will be declared. Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation will invest $250,000 as the first prize in the contest. Good energies will bestow euro 10,000 to the runner up. All finalists who have been shortlisted will have an opportunity to avail investments from the Solar for All investment Fund, which will be launched in 2011.