Solar Forward – Off-Grid Energy Solutions in Rural Nepal

Solar Forward is Himalayan Innovation's social initiative that promotes our integrated Solar Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model which provides critical energy services to rural micro enterprises in Nepal. We foster use of renewable energy technologies by providing access to critical energy infrastructure and a range of Value-Added Machineries (VAM). Such machineries include efficient renewable energy utilities like induction stoves, solar heater, electric sewing machines, automated handlooms, solar water-pump, internet routers, etc.




Studies show that more than 4.5 million households in Nepal still use firewood as energy source. We provide energy efficient utilities that help reduce carbon emission, reduce drudgery and improve respiratory health of women (including the elderly) in rural communities. We also introduced machinery for women-led rural enterprises to automate labour-intensive processes in sweet making, looming, dairy, mushroom farming and so on, helping curb demand for firewood among rural entrepreneurs.




Coupled with the PAYG model, we run Girls4Rurals as a green initiative which involves late adolescent girls to achieve gender inclusive energy usages in rural communities. Girls4Rurals provides vocational solar electrician training to women and encourages them towards climate activism. Members advocate and influence renewable energy in their village and push for municipalities to undertake measures for improving policies around local energy, climate renewable energy technologies.




For more information, do refer to our Slide Deck.