Bina Sardar and her family are affiliated to Jeevan Bikas Samaj, nearly since the time of its inception. Recently, JBS has made admirable investments in the sector of Renewable Energy. Bina and her family are happy to share their story about how solar transformed their life, from pungent kerosene lamp, impregnated by darkness otherwise, to happily lit solar home.

In a country like Nepal, which experiences more than 12 hours of load shedding on daily basis, solar can bring revolutionary changes in the lives of people. The 20 watt solar device, which is most popular among JBS member clients, costs Rs 10,000. The package includes solar panel, battery, wires, switch, four bulbs, etc.
Previously, they employed Kerosene lamp for lightening purpose. Kerosene lamp costs around Rs 20 per day to operate for daily needs which amounts to Rs 300 in 15 days or Rs 600 monthly. They use to operate their shop till seven o’clock in the evening. Besides low light illumined by kerosene lamp, it also produced fumes which isn’t beneficial for health.
Now they are quite satisfied with the solar device. Solar can light 4 bulbs for 7-8 hours which is more than enough to their needs. As a payment for installation of the device, they pay Rs 221 in every 15 days. The payback period of loan is 2.5 years on regressive interest (i.e. instalment payments are deducted from principle amount every time). They now run their shop till 8 or 8:30 in night.
As compared to kerosene lamps, use of solar has brought in comfort and satisfaction along with reduction of costs related to lightening. Solar device has helped the family to save Rs 142 every month on lightening expenses. Health related issues come as latent benefit factor. Two girls, who study at grade 2nd and L.K.G, are happy to study in bright light.
To sum up, Sardar family is well satisfied with their decision of solar installation in their home. Surprisingly, the bulbs lit by solar glow brighter than regular electricity powered bulbs. Moreover, regarding safety issues, kerosene lamps are dangerous. Minor mishandling can trigger mass inferno in such places where most of the houses are made up of wood and straw. Moreover, solar is healthy, economic and environmentally sound practice.