Nepal's demand for small solar lighting system growing

Small solar lighting devices are becoming increasingly popular among

people, particularly those from lower income groups, as they help light homes with small

investment.

According to traders, sale of these devices has increased by 30 percent this year compared

to last year.

“Many people are switching to LED lights to overcome power crisis. This has led to big

surge in demand for these devices,” said Yug R Tamrakar, managing director of Solar

Electricity Company at Bagbazar.

Wide range of solar home system like home lighting, street lighting, traffic lighting,

garden lighting and mobile charging system are available in the market.
“We introduced small solar lighting devices in the market, targeting people belonging to

lower strata of the society who cannot make big investment on expensive power backup

solution,” Tamrakar added.

Bimal Shrestha, manager of Suntech Energy Company, said the demand for small solar lighting

system is increasing because it can be installed with a small investment.

Solar Tuki System with 2.5 watt solar panel costs Rs 3,000, while fixed solar system of 10

watt capacity costs Rs 8,000. It can light 4 LED bulbs for five hours. Similarly, solar

panel of 5 watt capacity that lights 2 LED bulbs is priced at Rs 5,000.

Solar power system with small panel comes with five years warranty, while those with LED

lights and battery have one year warranty.

Bishal Thapa, marketing executive of Unique Light House Electrical Goods, said most of the

people prefer LED lights over CFL bulbs as they consume less power and have longer life.

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