Less waste, more profit for entrepreneurs using renewable energy

Guidance to cut low-quality off-grid electrical appliances littering the homes and towns of some of the most vulnerable people in the world has been produced by Practical Action.

Energy experts in Rwanda have spent months researching and found 50 per cent of small and medium sized businesses in off-grid areas had experienced poorly performing equipment.

Much of the equipment should help people earn a living and provide vital income for their families, many of whom don’t have access to grid electricity, and rely on solar power.

However, there is little formal guidance for off-grid communities to help them make good, informed decisions around the type of electrical goods they buy – until now.

Improving quality and standards for off-grid DC-powered appliances: Practical Action and CLASP collaboration

Practical Action were commissioned to conduct research into off-grid, or weak-grid appliances, focusing on DC-powered goods, rather than those that use AC power by CLASP, a global non-profit org, who provide an advisory service for electrical appliances around the world.

Our experts identified 2 ways in which the sector could improve:

• Drawing up quality guidelines that ensure the product won’t fail, building on existing domestic and international standards.
• Underlining minimal specifications required. For example, making it clear that for a mechanic, a more powerful drill will be required than for someone using it for household works.

The guidebook is broken down into chapters per appliance – such as fridges, sewing machines, hair clippers, phone charging, solar home systems.

It also includes information on what warranties, parts, repairs & customer care/after sales care should be expected.

The team have already run training sessions and ‘how not to get scammed on websites’ sessions – run for bulk buyers, suppliers and other organisations who provide electrical goods, such as INGOs.

To find out more about the guidance and the research undertaken by the Practical Action team, please contact the project team via [email protected] or [email protected]