Mera Gao Power Micro Grids

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$900.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

This product is implemented by Mera Gao Power in communities in rural Uttar Pradesh in northern India

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include SELCO 50W Module.

Manufacturing/Building Method

This product is manufactured/assembled on-site, and requires a village mapping exercise before the system is installed.

Intellectural Property Type

Trademark

User Provision Model

This product is distributed by Mera Gao Power to rural villages in northern India. Users are typically a community that does not have access to electricity.

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2016, at least 1,500 micro grids have been constructed in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, reaching over 100,000 people.

Design Specifications

The micro grids consist of four solar panels mounted onto a household to produce 300 W peak, a battery bank with the capacity to store up to 2 days worth of power (roughly 200 Ah), a 24 VDC low-voltage power distribution network, and LED lamps for household lighting.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Technical support is provided by trained technicians that visit each site every two weeks.

Replacement Components

All components of the system are replaceable and are available in consultation with trained technicians.

Lifecycle

The lifecycle of mono crystalline cells is up to 20 years. Paying subscribed customers will have components replaced free of charge as needed.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

By providing lighting and mobile phone charging solutions for 2 USD per month per household, Mera Gao Power seeks to reduce the reliance on kerosene fuel while providing power for much needed amenities.

Vetted Performance Status

No testing of the product has been completed, however as Mera Gao Power operates as a lighting utility company, several organizations have evaluated the business model, including Yale School of Management.

Safety

Safety precautions include those associated with low voltage electrical distribution networks, as well as the storage of battery banks.

Complementary Technical Systems

This product is designed to be a "plug and play" system, requiring no other technical systems to operate.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

None

Evaluation methods

Mera Gao Power’s social impact has been evaluated by Yale School of Management as part of this case study.

Other Information

This video is a useful resource in explaining Mera Gao Power's vision, and how their micro grids are installed.  

Read more about Meragao Power