Amara Raja Electronics Limited (AREL) and Amara Raja Batteries Limited (ARBL), have joined hands with ‘The Energy Resources Institute’ (TERI) in its new generation cost effective off-grid lighting solutions for rural electrification under its ‘Lighting a Billion Lives’ (LaBL) campaign. TERI has developed new models of solar lanterns jointly with its technology partners. These solar lanterns will provide cost-effective lighting solutions and also ensuring high quality illumination.
AREL shall support TERI to develop and customise solar products and help set-up charging stations on a turnkey basis across various locations. AREL shall also provide specialised information as regards to testing and certification of solar products. ARBL on its part shall provide technological know-how in battery technology, make available batteries at a discounted price and also help in choice of right batteries for solar products.
Together AREL and ARBL will provide after sales service support for solar lantern products and charging station. Both shall also support, promote and create awareness for TERI about the Lighting a Billion Lives initiative.
Commenting on this Mr. Indeevar. G, Vice President & SBU Head, AREL said, "We are proud to partner with TERI on such an initiativeâ€. True to Amara Raja's core purpose of providing access and opportunities to more people and the group’s commitment to business that create high social impact; Amara Raja has joined hands with TERI as a technical and innovation partner. Amara Raja's experience in the area of energy and empowerment will be leveraged for 'Lighting a Billion Lives'."
Dr R K Pachauri, Director General, TERI too emphasized on the use of modern photovoltaic technology and to provide affordable and reliable sources of lighting up billion homes. The initiative will not only benefit the poor in India but also can spread to poor countries in Africa and elsewhere.
Solar lanterns are clean, reliable and versatile source of lighting that benefit thousands of rural households who despite the aggressive grid expansion plans are still living without electricity. The new lanterns launched have enhanced features such as super bright white LED light, low power consumption, 6V/4.5Ah SMF Lead acid battery, three modes of brightness - high, medium and dim, Light output at one foot, upto 20 hours of run time with 50,000 hours of LED life, and a solar charger capacity of 5Wp and 3Wp.
The Solar lanterns will be recharged at a village solar charging station. These charging stations, while ensuring quality services at affordable rate, will also provide green jobs to local people who manage these stations; besides help reduce consumption of subsidized kerosene substantially.
