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Annual Report | 2014
1 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
Table of contents
1. Preface…………………………………………………………………………………………………2
2. The Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation: a brief overview 3
3. Activities in 2014……………………………………………………………………………………6
3.1. Development: Solar villages………………………………………………………………..6
3.2. Training………………………………………………………………………………………………14
3.3. Education…………………………………………………………………………………..…….15
3.4. Health………………………………………………………………………………………………..20
3.5. Public relations…………………………………………………………………………………24
3.6. Fundraising activities………………………………………………………………………..26
3.7. Foundation of the Sun-Connect eG cooperative………………………………… 27
4. The Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation in the press……… 28
5. Imprint………………………………………………………………………………………………. 29
6. Our supporters…………………………………………………………………………………. 30
7th Financial Report 2014………………………………………………………………………. 31
2 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
1. Preface
Dear Readers,
the focus of our work is to alleviate poverty by means of the provision of so-
lar energy. The resonance from the people in those countries in which we
work – in Ethiopia, Kenya and the Philippines – confirms that we are on the
right road: light and power can contribute a lot towards changing people's
living conditions. "You cannot imagine how much the light has contributed
towards the development of our village and towards the improvement of our
lives! The days of kerosene are over. At long last the households in Arso
Amba have clean and reliable light and at the same time are saving money
because they do not have to pay for kerosene", the village head of Arso
Amba proudly told me on the occasion of my last visit there in April 2015.
Arso Amba is Ethiopia's fourth solar village.
Light and electricity are important prerequisites for the alleviation of poverty and for development. Never-
theless, worldwide 1.3 billion people still have no access to either. For the sunny countries in Africa and Asia
in particular, solar energy offers the cleanest, cheapest and most reliable solution! This is our angle of ap-
proach. However, we do not focus on short-term projects, on the distribution of free solar home systems or
portable lamps. Our objective is to set up sustainable structures which enable a self-supporting solar econ-
omy. In the course of our work in this sector during the last ten years we have learned that we can only
achieve something in the long term by means of a holistic approach – not only from the social, but also from
the cultural and economic point of view.
I would like to thank all of our donors and supporters. Without your help our work would be impossible. I
would be delighted if you continue to accompany and support us in the future too so that we can get closer
to achieving our target of alleviating poverty by means of solar energy.
Best regards
Dr. Harald Schützeichel
Director of the Stiftung Solarenergie Germany /
President of the Foundation Board of the Stiftung Solarenergie Switzerland
3 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
THIS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2014 PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT THE CURRENT PROGRAMME OF THE
STIFTUNG SOLARENERGIE - SOLAR ENERGY FOUNDATION; PROJECTS WHICH WERE SUPPORTED FOR THE
FIRST TIME AS WELL AS PROJECTS WHICH WERE COMPLETED IN THAT YEAR.
2. The Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Founda-
tion: a brief overview
The Stiftung Solarenergie - Solar Energy Foundation is a foundation with legal capacity
under civil law with headquarters in Merzhausen (Germany) and in Zurich (Switzerland).
The purpose of the foundation is to promote development aid, environmental protec-
tion, education and training and to carry out projects in these fields. Since 2004 the
Stiftung Solarenergie has been committed to rural development and the alleviation of
poverty in rural areas of developing countries, in particular in Ethiopia, Kenya and the
Philippines, by means of the provision of solar energy.
Our main points of focus:
• Education
In rural areas kerosene lamps are usually the only source of illumination and the poor
light which they produce often leads to eye damage. In addition, the burning of kero-
sene results in noxious emissions (soot) and odours. As a result, children’s ability to do
schoolwork after the sun goes down is considerably limited. Solar energy provides a
bright, clean light and improves the situation immensely.
• Health
In many developing countries an adequate provision of basic medical services for the
majority of the population is not possible. Pregnant women and children suffer particu-
larly as a result. By providing rural health stations with solar light and solar refrigeration
for medicine we contribute towards improving this situation.
“We can speak of fuel poverty if
there is no or only limited access
to power for the purpose of cook-
ing, lighting, heating, refrigeration
or for the use of information and
communication technologies. 1.3
billion people have no electricity
and approximately twice as many
are dependent on firewood, char-
coal, dung or plant rests for cook-
ing and heating. However, if
power is not available, cannot be
used efficiently or is not afforda-
ble, important requirements can-
not be met. This kind of poverty
has dramatic consequences for the
people concerned: Their quality of
life is impaired, their health often
suffers and educational opportuni-
ties as well as their possibilities to
generate income are limited.“
(Source: BMZ, Informationsbroschüre
1/2014 Nachhaltige Energie für Entwick-
lung )
4 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
• Water
Dirty drinking water can result in serious illnesses and even death. Nevertheless, access to clean drinking wa-
ter is a problem in many developing countries. Women and children often have to walk a long way in order
to bring water home from distant water sources. However, it is often of such bad quality that it makes the
people ill. By means of solar water pumps and suitable water disinfection equipment, the Stiftung Solarener-
gie provides a safe supply of the vital commodity water.
• Development
In very poor areas of Africa and Asia the Stiftung Solarenergie follows a particular concept of village develop-
ment: the provision of entire villages with solar energy. Households and public buildings such as schools,
health stations and churches are all equipped with solar electricity. In addition solar water pumps, water dis-
infection facilities and street lanterns are also installed.
Our holistic approach:
Because energy is a foundation stone for social and economic development, we are dedicated to providing
the people on-site with a reliable and long-term supply of solar energy. Solar energy enables a distinct im-
provement of the social and economic situation and this is the reason why the demand for it in the popula-
tion is so high. The effects and advantages are reflected in improved educational and training opportunities,
better health conditions, increased incomes, lower energy costs and less poverty. It is our aim to set up a
sustainable solar trade in our partner countries. That is why we are not concerned with one-off aid
measures, for example a short-term replacement of kerosene lamps which are both hazardous to health and
the environment: We are convinced that long-term access to energy in rural areas is necessary in order to
meet the needs of all areas of life and the economy. A substantial and long-term economic and social devel-
opment can only be triggered off in this way.
5 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
We therefore do not concentrate on one single aspect; to
achieve long-term effects we bundle a variety of tasks to create
an overall strategy:
Education/training
Funding
Production
Installation
Customer service etc.
The foundations in the various countries are legally independent entities, but work in close association with
one another.
Two part-time, permanently employed members of staff as well as an honorary director/ foundation board
president and a foundation board work for the Stiftung Solarenergie in Germany and Switzerland.
6 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
3. Activities in 2014
3.1. Development: Solar villages
In order to make a long-term contribution towards alleviating poverty, the Stiftung Solarenergie decided not
to provide isolated schools, health stations or huts with electricity. Instead the Stiftung Solarenergie has a
comprehensive plan which involves supplying entire villages.
Since 2004 three whole villages in Ethiopia have been provided with solar energy:
Kechemober: 150 inhabitants
Rema: 6,000 inhabitants
Dire: 4,000 inhabitants
To ensure long-term success, there are local technicians on-site who are responsible for maintenance and
service. In addition, the inhabitants have to pay a monthly fee to cover the costs which is collected and ad-
ministered by the Stiftung Solarenergie as well as the village administration.
In 2014 we started to electrify the village of Arso Amba in Ethiopia, thus continuing our successful solar vil-
lage concept.
Arso Amba is situated 280 km northeast of the capital city, Addis Ababa, in a mountainous and remote re-
gion which is considered to be one of the poorest areas of Ethiopia. Around 4,500 people live here in 900
tukuls (huts) which lie scattered around a small village centre with its market place. The majority of the in-
habitants earn their living as farmers, but some are craftsmen.
The village also has two churches, a health station and a school with 750 pupils and 18 teachers. The village’s
water source is located 2 km away, approximately 140 m below the village.
Ethiopia
Arso Amba,
the new solar village Das neue Solardorf
7 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
The provision of solar energy offers the entire village development op-
portunities:
Improved working situation: Even after the sun has gone down, work
can still be done.
Health: There are no health-hazardous fumes or CO² emissions
caused by kerosene lamps or diesel generators.
Education: Children can make use of the time after sunset for their
homework.
Safety: Due to outdoor lights on the houses and public buildings the
people feel safer.
Improved healthcare: Light and the refrigeration of medicine con-
tribute significantly towards the improvement of the healthcare of
the inhabitants.
Improved learning opportunities: Teachers can now also prepare
their lessons in the evening and become more qualified in their sub-
jects. Adults also have the possibility of participating in reading and
writing courses in the evening.
Possibilities of increased income: New sources of income present
themselves and the exodus from the village is reduced.
Samson Tsegaye, Director of the
Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy
Foundation, Ethiopia:
“Working on the basis of our concept of
the solar village, we have been providing
entire villages with solar energy since
2004 and have successfully electrified
three Ethiopian villages so far: house-
holds, schools, health stations, churches
and their water supplies. In this way we
are making a long-term contribution to-
wards the alleviation of poverty. Our con-
cept of the solar village has received
many awards and Arso Amba represents
one further step in this direction.“
“We are very happy about the activities of the
Stiftung Solarenergie in our village. Even after such
a short period of time, we can hardly imagine living
without a reliable source of light. My children can
now do their homework in the evenings too and I
can use my sewing machine after 6.00 pm. The out-
side lighting on the houses gives us all a totally dif-
ferent feeling of safety.“
Kelemuwa,
inhabitant of Arso Amba
8 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
Solar energy for households
Up until the end of the year male and female technicians of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Founda-
tion Ethiopia had electrified almost 500 households and public buildings in Arso Amba (such as the churches,
community centre and village bar) and work was progressing fast. In the middle of November we were on-
site and could convince ourselves of the progress personally.
In order to give you an idea of what we do on-site and how a household is actually provided with solar
energy we would like to pass on some impressions:
The most important principle behind our work
is to talk to the people in rural areas, find out
what their problems are, work together to find
solutions and put them into action. As a matter
of principle we establish, together with the in-
habitants, what the individual needs are first.
Those people who want a solar system get one.
However, the inhabitants contribute towards it
by paying back in instalments.
Here the purchase agreement is being signed. The
foundation funds the Solar Home System to 75%
and guarantees that the system is regularly
checked. Solar technicians trained by the founda-
tion provide assistance in the event of complica-
tions.
9 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
We only use solar products which, in terms of their quality and durability, are capable of functioning for a long
time in the adverse conditions prevalent in rural areas.
The greatest challenge for successful and sustainable rural electrification is not the installation of solar sys-
tems. It is ensuring their reliable operation in the long term. To this end it is essential to have a network of
well-trained solar technicians who also have the necessary spare parts and can guarantee a professional after-
sales service.
A Solar Home System usually consists of a:
- Battery
- Solar panel
- Charge controller
- LED lamps
- Cables
The inhabitants are actively involved from the beginning. In the pictures below the technician and villagers
are transporting the solar system and accessories to the family’s tukul.
10 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
. Die
First of all, the panel is installed on
the roof of the tukul and aligned
towards the south to achieve the
greatest efficiency.
Then the charge controller, the battery and the lamps
are installed in the living space.
11 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
A very special mo-
ment: The light is
switched on in the
tukul for the first
time.
It is very moving -
even for the techni-
cians - to see how
delighted the inhabit-
ants are.
Finally, every household is given a number. This means that the system
was installed by the Stiftung Solarenergie and that we will provide ser-
vice later on and assistance in the event of complications.
„“It fascinates me to see how easy
it is to make decisive improve-
ments to the people’s lives simply
by providing them with solar en-
ergy. After each and every suc-
cessfully installed system, I know
exactly why I love working as a so-
lar technician”, says Mena
Hailemichael
She is one of the first women in Ethio-
pia who successfully completed a sup-
plementary training programme to
become a solar technician.
12 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
Water for Arso Amba
In 2014 we also decided to improve Arso Amba’s water suppy by means of a solar water pump. Together
with the village inhabitants we made the necessary preparations for the construction of the solar pump.
By means of a solar pump the situation of particularly the women and children will be improved. The
strenuous and dangerous task of fetching water from the water source every day will then become su-
perfluous.
Light and refrigeration for the health station
The number of immunizations and the number of births in Arso Amba’s health station have risen consider-
ably since the middle of 2014. The reason for this, on the one hand, is the fact that they now have the pos-
sibility of cooling medicine and vaccines. On the other hand, at long last, solar lighting means that births
can take place safely even at night. At the beginning of 2014 there was neither light nor refrigeration avail-
able.
“We, the women, and our children suffer particularly
because of this. Day after day we have to undertake
the arduous and dangerous journey to the water
source to fetch water for our families and the irrigation
of our fields. We would be greatly relieved if we, our
sisters and our children no longer had to walk the long
and difficult path to the water source.“
Mamit and Asnakech,
Villagers from Arso Amba
13 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
The health station (here outside) is a meeting place for the whole village and the surrounding smaller settle-
ments. Now more people, above all families with children, are coming there in order to be inoculated, for ex-
ample against measles. The solar refrigerator enables the correct storage of medicines and vaccines.
“The solar equipment makes my work
much easier! Thanks to the light and
refrigeration I can help people who
need medical care even at night or in
their homes. Everything has become
easier as a result and I can do more to
help the people - especially the women
and children.“
Sintayehu Abito,
Krankenschwester of the health station
in Arso Amba
14 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
3.2. Training
Important foundation stones for the improvement of living conditions are the transfer of knowledge and
the training of solar technicians. Providing the solar equipment is one important aspect but the real chal-
lenge is creating the necessary competency in the countries themselves, i.e. knowledge about solar en-
ergy and its fields of application, particularly in the off-grid sector. At the same time, it is essential to con-
vey the practical knowledge which is necessary for the planning and the execution.
For this reason we have been carrying out regular courses for years in Ethiopia in order to train solar
technicians. Based on our practical experience in rural electrification, we pass on our specialised
knowledge and technical know-how.
The Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation Ethiopia continued its training and courses for solar
technicians last year as well. These are directed at small and medium-sized firms in Ethiopia and take
place within the framework of the TERI-HoA-REC&N Clean Energy Projects. The aim is to provide more
households with light and electricity by means of solar energy. To achieve this, more trained specialists
are urgently needed.
Samson Tsegaye, the director, and Yonas Workie, chief engineer of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar En-
ergy Foundation Ethiopia, plan and coordinate the training courses. Samson Tsegaye is very satisfied
with the courses: “In addition to general knowledge about electricity and an introduction to photovolta-
ics, the topics are, in particular, the installation of solar systems and the basics of solar energy manage-
ment. The resonance is very good and we are planning several training courses for 2015 too. We are in-
creasingly being approached by women, and this pleases us in particular because the percentage of
women in paid employment is still very low. This opens new possibilities for them to earn money too. Due
to our long years of experience we are able to convey to the participants the relevant technical
knowledge and successfully prepare them for their day-to-day work. At the same time, these courses are
also an ideal opportunity for the participants to share their experiences. “
Yonas Workie added: “We enjoy carrying out these workshops. In this way we are contributing directly
not only to an improvement of the energy supply but also to the training situation in Ethiopia. Knowledge
about this modern and environmentally friendly technology is an essential prerequisite if it is to be ap-
plied in a professional way.”
15 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
3.3. Education
Education is a human right and a fundamental prerequisite for
development. Nevertheless, there are 72 million children
worldwide who do not go to school. Half of them live in Africa. And
even worse: Millions of children have to terminate their school
education early. The reasons for this are poor infrastructure, long
distances to schools, badly equipped schoolrooms and the poor
quality of the schools. A further big problem is the lack of
opportunity to learn at home and either to prepare for lessons or
learn the material dealt with in the lessons.
For many children, particularly girls, going to school is not a matter
of course. Frequently they are expected to work at home and in the
fields and accordingly have no possibility of going to school. After
sunset it is hardly possible to do homework because of the poor
lighting. For these reasons the children in very poor regions have little chance to go to school and complete
their schooling. This is where our programme Licht für Bildung/ Light for Education comes into action. Solar
energy with its clean, bright light improves the situation fundamentally. And not only the educational
situation of the children is improved but also that of the adults, as our activities in Ethiopia have shown.
“I’m happy that I am able to
go to school and later on I
would love to study. Thanks
to solar light I can now pre-
pare for my lessons in the
evening too.“
Hiwot,
Female pupil from Arso
Amba
16 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
At the end of December we provided three of the classrooms in the school in Arso Amba with light and fur-
ther rooms will follow. In the rainy period teaching can take place without any problems and teachers can
use the rooms to prepare lessons. In the evening time lessons can now take place for the adults too. This
was a particular wish of the inhabitants of Arso Ambo, in particular of the women.
A quarter of the people in developing countries can hardly read or write. The problem is not a lack of inter-
est. The adults only have time for schooling and learning at the end of the working day. A lack of light is the
fundamental problem here too. Now that the classrooms have lighting, no more obstacles are standing in
the way.
Ethiopia/ Education in
Arso Amba
We are switching on the
light in Arso Amba‘s
school!
“Solar energy means a lot for me and my family. In
the evening my children can now learn and have no
problems with their eyes anymore. And now, at
long last, I can also learn to read and write. Up until
now I have had to sign documents with my finger-
print. I hope I will soon be able to sign with my
name!“
Etabez,
Female villager from Arso Amba
17 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
The courses began at the end of 2014 and the participants could decide - in accordance with their interests
and level of education - between two main subjects.
Course level 1: Reading and writing in Amharic and basic mathematics
Course level 2: Agricultural knowledge, health topics, social studies, international politics
At the beginning the teachers of Arso Amba are carrying out these courses free of charge but if they are to
continue on a regular basis we will work together with the inhabitants to develop a plan in order to make
them long-term, independent and financially viable.
More education by means of solar energy - the aim of our initiative was to ensure equal schooling opportuni-
ties for girls and boys. The key to this are libraries. They offer everybody, independent of their income, sta-
tus, age, gender or origins, free access to a source of education, in the classic sense to books. The Stiftung
Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation has set up a special kind of library in the partner countries: Here tab-
let computers and solar hand lamps are being implemented.
Tablet library in Rema
Since December 2014, Rema, our second solar village, owns the first tablet library in Ethiopia. Due to our
support, a total of 27 Samsung tablets are now available to the girls and boys of the higher classes. The tab-
lets are charged by a solar charging station and then - depending on how they are being utilized - can be
used for up to 10 hours. Ethiopian educational software is installed on the tablets which enables the pupils
to repeat material and deepen their knowledge of the learning content, particularly in the fields of science.
The software is called FIDEL and is from Ahadoo Tech Plc, an Ethiopian software developer which continually
maintains and develops it free of charge. Units are available particularly for the subjects mathematics, phys-
ics, biology and geography.
Solar libraries
in Ethiopia and in
the Philippines
18 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
Up until know the tablet library has been located in the rooms of the community centre of Rema. The em-
ployees of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation there are responsible for the coordination,
charging, updates and the administration. In the long term these tasks should be taken over by one of the
teachers in Rema. If this programme proves to be successful, it could also be applied to other schools.
Rema's pupils are really enthusiastic about the new learning possibilities. The learning content is not only
presented in a new and different way, they also come into contact with technology. One of the supervisors
of the tablet library reported: "The children really like working with the tablets. They are proud of these new
possibilities and feel more connected with the world. It is too early to say exactly how much the children will
benefit from them, but the enthusiasm with which they approach the learning content is high, even after
school. I feel that even that is worth a lot."
Setting up the tablet library has taken a long time on account of problems arising from the concrete realisa-
tion and problems with the customs. However, we are now delighted that we were finally able to open the
tablet library in 2014.
Philippines / solar libraries and solar schools
The principle of sharing is also pursued by the Light for Education programme at Philippine schools. In solar
libraries pupils can borrow solar hand lamps by the week or over the weekend. This programme was initiated
by the Solar Energy Foundation together with the Philippine Ministry of Education. In addition to the ad-
vance in educational opportunities for the children and improved teaching conditions for the teachers, a
consciousness for the advantages and new possibilities offered by solar energy is also awakened.
A total of ten schools are to be provided with a solar library in the provinces of Rizal, Panay, SocSarGen and
Palawan. In 2014 we supplied the elementary and higher school in Apia in the province Rizal with one. The
area there is mountainous and very difficult to reach. Up until now there was no access to electricity there at
all - a good reason for us to improve opportunities there.
19 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
A solar library consists of 20-500 solar lamps and a solar charging
station. Pupils can borrow a lamp there, charge it and use it at home. In
order to finance maintenance and replacements, the pupils have to pay
a small contribution for each week they use it. If the lamps are lent out
over a longer period of time, they have to have them checked at least
once a week at the solar library. This helps to slow down wear and tear.
Jim Ayala, Director of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy
Foundation Philippines: "Our programme promotes educational
possibilities in those schools which have neither access to light nor
electricity: that means approximately 8,000 schools in the Philippines.
Solar energy offers the solution to the problem. For this reason, we, the
foundation, provide solar lamps which can be used at home too. The
effect is enormous. According to studies which we have carried out in
the schools concerned, the learning motivation has increased by 97%
and learning time by 45%."
A female teacher working at the elementary school in Apia reported
her experiences to us: "We are really enthusiastic. The children cannot
only learn under better conditions, they also learn to assume responsi-
bility because they have to think about borrowing and returning the
lamp and treating it carefully. Even the charging of the lamp is one of
their tasks. Another good thing about it is that the other members of
the family can use the lamp too. This means that everyone benefits from
it. Of course, we also use the lamps for lessons because the classrooms
are often so dark that we would otherwise have to hold the lessons out-
side. Now we can remain in the classroom, are protected from the heat
and the rain and teachers and pupils can concentrate better.“
In addition, the teachers' living quarters near the school are being equipped and provided with a multimedia
room. This can be used for parents' evenings or evening training sessions for teachers. The teachers can then
prepare themselves for the lessons more efficiently.
We will continue this programme in 2015.
Jim Ayala, Director of the
Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy
Foundation Philippines:
“Our programme promotes educational
opportunities in schools which have ac-
cess to neither light nor electricity: That
applies to approximately 8,000 schools on
the Philippines. Solar energy provides us
with the solution. We, the Stiftung So-
larenergie, make solar lamps available to
the pupils which can also be used at
home. The effect has been incredible. Ac-
cording to studies which we carried out in
the schools involved, the motivation to
learn has increased by 97% and the aver-
age learning time is around 45% higher.“
20 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
Ethiopia / Kenya
Light on for the
health stations!
3.4. Health
In addition to water and nutrition, access to medical care and medicine is an important factor for a healthy
life. There is a close connection between poverty and health. The World Health Organization (WHO) speaks
of “poverty-related diseases”, i.e. illnesses which would be less serious if the living conditions were better, as
in the developed countries.
The basic healthcare provided by a health station consists of:
Treatment and diagnosis of illnesses
Medical prevention and inoculations
Medical care after accidents
Medical care for pregnant women and assistance when giving birth
For around 10,000 people the health station is the first place to go in the event of accidents, for vaccinations
and in all questions related to pregnancy and birth. As such it is an important pillar of the regional health sys-
tem. In many developing countries adequate basic medical care is still not available for most of the popula-
tion. In this context the lack of light and electricity are important factors.
Many rural health stations have to struggle with the problem
of having no light and no possibility to cool medicines and
vaccines. Under conditions like these it is often difficult or
impossible to treat people in the evening or at night.
Emergency cases and births at night constitute great risks.
For this reason, the Stiftung Solarenergie’s programme
“Solar energy for health stations in Ethiopia and Kenya” is
specifically targeted at combatting the lack of power and
light in the health stations.
Patron of this programme is PAUL HARTMANN AG.
“In our opinion good healthcare is one of the
fundamental values in a society. The Stiftung
Solarenergie wants just that: The health sta-
tions are optimally equipped with solar elec-
tricity and the patients‘ quality of life is im-
proved.“
Andreas Joehle,
Chairman of the Board of
Directors
PAUL HARTMANN AG
21 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
The basic solar “kit” consists of:
a solar refrigerator to cool medicines and vaccines
permanently installed solar light in the treatment rooms
solar headlamp for concentrated light
mobile solar lamps for use outside and house calls
fetal heart doppler for the ultrasound monitoring of pregnancies
battery chargers for mobile telephones, doppler and headlamp
Rose Chiira, midwife at a Kenyan health station, told us about the posi-
tive effects solar equipment can have: “Solar light has changed every-
thing. Up until now we always had to close the health station at about 6
pm because in the evening we did not have enough light to treat people.
Thanks to the solar equipment and refrigeration we can now deal with
accidents at night too. We very much appreciate what the Stiftung So-
larenergie has done for us.”
In the last years the Stiftung Solarenergie and the partner foundations
in Kenya and Ethiopia have already supplied 40 health stations with so-
lar power. 100 further health stations are now to follow: This is the tar-
get of the programme “Solar energy for health stations in Ethiopia and
Kenya” which began on 29th October 2014.
Since the project started we have already found the funding to equip the first stations. In the middle of 2015
we will begin with realisation and hope by then to have found further support for this programme.
The greatest
problems
without a
power sup-
ply:
Gathu Kirubi, Director of the
Stiftung Solarenergie –Solar Energy Foun-
dation Kenya:
“The provision of reliable basic solar equip-
ment can improve the situation for the
people in Kenya decisively. State-promoted
immunization campaigns and free medica-
tion are useless if vaccines and medicines
cannot be stored in sufficient quantities.
Reliable provisioning also means providing
sufficient light. We want our work to lead
to significant progress!“
No possibility to treat patients after sunset (after approx. 6 pm)
Inadequate means for cooling medicines and vaccines
Inadequate healthcare for pregnant women
Makeshift support for the frequent nightime births
In the event of accidents, no treatment at night or house calls
Limited availability because there is no possibility to charge mobile phones
Lack of safety in the night
22 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
Better emergency medical assistance for mothers and children is also the emphasis of the programme “Light
for health“ of the Stiftung Solarenergie Philippines. Since 2013 the Stiftung Solarenergie Philippines in con-
junction with We Care Solar, an American NGO, has been equipping rural health stations with solar suitcases:
Solar suitcases are emergency cases with solar operated medical devices and solar light for better healthcare
and birth supervision. We continued with this programme in 2014.
The health stations are situated on Palawan, CeBu, Leyte and Samar, i.e. in regions which were hit by Ty-
phoon Hayan in 2013 and by Typhoon Rammasun last year.
Vor allem für den Notfalleinsatz bilden die Solar Suitcases eine wichtige Unterstützung, Schwerpunkt
liegt hier auf der Geburtshilfe.
Philippines
Solar suitcases
for the emergency medical
assistance of mothers and
children!
Distribution of solar suitcases on the Philippines (status 12/2014)
Source: Solar Energy Foundation Philippines
23 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
The solar suitcases create better preconditions for a reliable supervision
of women giving birth and are particularly important in the event of med-
ical emergencies and birth complications. Many regions of the Philippines
are still devastated and it is the mothers and the children who suffer
most. The solar suitcases can contribute towards improving this situation.
A solar suitcase is equipped with: Two 20 Watt solar panels, a 14 AH bat-
tery,a 15 A charge controller, two headlamps and a fetal heart
doppler.
Amongst others, the Health Office in the province Iloilo (the largest province on the island of Panay in the
Philippines) received 20 solar suitcases for the health stations there. The people on-site are very happy
about this support. The communal health officer, Patricia Grace, reported as follows: “This support by the
Foundation helps us to provide healthcare for mothers and children, above all in those communities which
were devastated by Typhoon Hayan last year and which are still being rebuilt.”
“I am very happy that I could
give birth in the health sta-
tion. The birth wasn’t easy
and took place at night.
Thanks to the midwife and
thanks to the solar light eve-
rything went well!“
Angelica,
a young Philippine mother
Source: We Care Solar
24 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
3.5. Public relations
The public relations of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation in Europe has two aims:
1. Consciousness-raising, particularly with the aim of showing a different picture of developing countries. The
picture which is normally presented is one which shows only poor people but this does not correspond to
the facts. This image is mainly due to the business strategy of the numerous relief aid organizations who are
trying to increase the flow of donations.
2. Information and reports about the work of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation to inform
donors about how the financial means have been used and to raise further funding.
Important elements of public relations work in 2014:
Enlargement and development of the Inter-
net platform www.sun‐connect.org (on the
right). This is a free platform with tips, re-
ports on our experiences and basic stimuli
about matters related to rural electrification.
Part of this platform is a monthly mailing ser-
vice to more than 6,000 recipients.
Participation at conferences in 2014:
15. 4.: Lecture in Mainz about the foundation and the cooperative by Urstrom eG
11.-13.07: Chamber of Trade workshop “Business Models for Rural Electrification by Solar Home
Systems (SHS)”
24.07: Webinar “Engineering for Chance”/view by following this link: https://goo.gl/x4CH2T
4.11.: Lecture at the REPIC Study Day in Freiburg/Switzerland
18.11.: Lecture in Maputo (Mozambique): Entrepreneur Day Off-Grid Photovoltaic in Mozam-
bique (Organizers: GIZ and Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Süd-
liches Afrika)
25 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
Flyers and publications of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation:
Health station programme
No Grid? No Problem! 32 Tips for Sustainable Off-Grid Business by Harald Schützeichel
Interim report Philippines
Interim report Arso Amba
The Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation has registered itself
at the Initiative Transparente Zivilgesellschaft (Transparent Civil Society Initi-
ative). As an alternative to the DZI donation seal, which requires payment, it
gives an overview of the articles of the organization, the names of the im-
portant decision makers as well as information about the financial sources, the way in which the funds are
used and the structure of the personnel.
The network of Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy
Foundation, StS International Network for Rural Devel-
opment, is on Facebook. Here you can inform yourself
regularly about upcoming projects, publications, press
articles, films and news in German and English. You can
also share interesting information with us here.
Become part of our network and help us to get our work
more well known:
Also check out the Partner Foundations on Facebook:
Stiftung Solarenergie Ethiopia
Stiftung Solarenergie Philippines
26 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
3.6. Fundraising activities
“Ride for Light“. In 2014 friends and donors of the
Solar Energy Foundation from Ethiopia and the Neth-
erlands cycled again from Arso Amba to the Solar Val-
ley, near Addis Abeba. They rode 350 km in three
days, mostly uphill and downhill, under the motto
“Ride for Light”! A total of €10,000 was raised in this
way. The organizer was the Solar Energy Foundation
of the Netherlands. You can find more information
about this in the press release under the heading “The
Solar Energy Foundation in the press”.
In 2014 a number of companies and organizations supported us
in our Christmas donation campaign again. They gave their Christmas
donations under the motto “Light for Education” and “Light for Life”,
supporting above all our work in Ethiopia.
We are extremely grateful to all companies and organizations who sup-
ported the Solar Energy Foundation and the people in Ethiopia!
For more information, see our Website.
Mailing and our new
newsletter about the activities of the Solar Energy Foundation
Should you be interested in receiving information from us, you
can register either under the following link
http://solar-energy-foundation.org/press-reports/newsletter/
or here:
27 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
3.7. Foundation of the Sun-Connect eG cooperative
Based on the many years of activity and experience of
the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation in
the field of rural electrification in Africa and Asia, the
Sun-Connect eG was founded on 17.02.2014.
As a cooperative Sun-Connect eG continues the work of the Solar Energy Foundation on a commercial basis.
In the last ten years the Solar Energy Foundation has clearly demonstrated in many different ways how the
construction of a network of service stations and the sale of solar systems with the aid of a hire purchase
model can successfully work. For legal reasons the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation can no
longer finance this pioneer work with donations. In addition, the work of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar
Energy Foundation was always oriented towards constructing a self-sustainable solar trade in the partner
countries, thus allowing it to withdraw as a donation organization one day. In our opinion, the time for this
was now ripe. The six existing foundations founded the Sun-Connect eG cooperative in order to continue the
work on a commercial basis. The Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation will, however, continue its
work by supporting the training of solar technicians and carrying out communal projects (health stations, wa-
ter pumps etc.) and pilot projects (solar villages).
By 31.12.2014 the cooperative had 82 members
who held cooperative shares to the value of
€558,400.
For further information about the cooperative go
to:
http://sun-connect.org/en.html
28 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
4. The Stiftung Solar Energie – Solar Energy Foundation in
the press
Downloadable at: http://solar-energy-foundation.org/press-reports/pressearchiv/
or by simply clicking the links below.
Article about the Stiftung Solarenergie (German and English):
Äthiopien Armut lindern durch Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe
in: BIB FAIR BANKING-Magazin 1/2014
After-sales Service and Local Presence: Key Factors for Solar Energy Innovations Diffusion in Developing
Countries (Kassahun et al.)
Presented in May 2014 at the PICMET conference in Japan
Sonnenenergie für Gesundheitsstationen in Afrika
Press release from 29th October 2014
Solar Energy for Health Centers in Africa
Press release from 29th October 2014
Cycle for Light Tour 2014 collects € 10,000
Press release from 30th October 2014
Transparenz für die gute Sache
in: BIZZ energy today, 11/2014
Solar suitcases panels to power Iloilo clinics
at: www.rappler.com 10. Dezember 2014
Licht fuer Kinderaugen Wattline Weihnachtsspende
in: Wattline Winter Magazin/06.12.2014
Videos concerning the Stiftung Solarenergie:
Solar libraries: Light for Education Program at Apia, Antipolo
Thanks for donations from the Philippines: Herosalia from the Manicani islands, Philippines, sincerely
thanks all donors.
29 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
5. Imprint
Published by:
Solar Energy Foundation Germany Solar Energy Foundation Switzerland
Weberstrasse 10 Postfach 380
79249 Merzhausen 8042 Zürich
Germany Switzerland
[email protected] [email protected]
www.stiftung-solarenergie.de www.stiftung-solarenergie.ch
Texts:
Eva-Maria Forstmeier, Dr. Harald Schützeichel
Photo credits:
All photographs: Solar Energy Foundation
Time period:
01.01.2014- 31.12.2014
Languages:
This annual report is available in German and English
Ethiopia
Bole Subcity
P.O. Box 22734/1000
Addis Ababa
Germany
Weberstrasse 10
79249 Merzhausen
Kenya
Off-Thika Road
P.O. Box 4617-00200
Nairobi
Netherlands
Wilhelminalaan 24
NL 5691 AZ Son en Breu-gel
Philippines
1609 Cypress St
Dasmarinas Village
Makati City 1222
Switzerland
Postfach 380
8042 Zürich
Donation accounts:
Volksbank Freiburg PostFinance
IBAN: DE78 6809 0000 0037 3830 07 IBAN CH37 0900 0000
BIC: GENODE61FR1 BIC POFICHBEXXX
The Solar Energy Foundation is recognized as a charitable organization.
30 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
6. Our supporters
The work of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation was supported last year amongst others by
the following companies and organizations:
In addition many private donors have supported our work with donations. Without your dedication to our
cause we would not be able to fight for long-term improvements in the living conditions in Africa and Asia.
Our sincere thanks to you all!
31 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
APPENDIX
7th Financial Report 2014
32 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
A. Stiftung Solarenergie - Solar Energy Foundation Germany
BALANCE SHEET as of 31st December 2014
ASSETS
EUR
A. FIXED ASSETS
I. Intangible assets 417.00
II. Tangible assets 1,835.00
III. Financial assets 14,982.27
B. CURRENT ASSETS
I. Receivables, other assets 17,234.27
II. Securities 105,397.36
III. cash, bank accounts 166,233.08
C. PREPAID EXPENSES AND DEFERRED CHARGES 0.00
__________
288,864.71
==========
LIABILITIES
EUR
A. EQUITY
I. Foundation capital 148,130.91
II. Revenue reserves 0.00
III. Retained earnings 131,190.76
B. PROVISIONS
I. Other provisions 4,500.00
C. LIABILITIES 5,043.04
__________
288,864.71
==========
33 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
B. Stiftung Solarenergie - Solar Energy Foundation Switzerland
BALANCE SHEET as of 31st December 2014
ASSETS
CHF
A. CURRENT ASSETS
I. Liquid funds and securities 33,162.91
II. Prepaid expenses and deferred charges 0.00
B. FIXED ASSETS
I. movable tangible assets 1,200.00
II. Financial assets 137,001.29
C. CAPITALISED EXPENSES AND ACTIVE ADJUSTING ENTRIES 0.00
__________
171,364.20
==========
LIABILITIES
CHF
A. CURRENT LIABILITIES
I. Current liabilities trade receivables 5,139.45
II. Accrued expenses and deferred income 3,800.00
III. Current provisions 136,742.80
B. EQUITY
I. Foundation capital 50,000.00
II. Net income -24,318.05
C. LOSS -125,352.34
__________
171,364.20
==========
34 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
C. Utilization of funds in Germany and Switzerland
Revenue Foundation D Foundation CH
Donations 205,932 Euro 30,900 CHF
Other revenue 3,968 Euro 0 CHF
Total: 209,900 Euro 30,900 CHF
Expenditure
Ethiopia
Solar village “Arso Amba” 55,920 Euro = 67,230 CHF
Light for Education 114,662 Euro = 137,848 CHF
Revolving Fund 67,480 Euro = 81,125 CHF
Health stations 13,010 Euro = 15,642 CHF
Kenya
Health stations 11,984 Euro = 14,408 CHF
Philippines
Typhoon “Yolanda“ 30,667 Euro = 36,871 CHF
Europe
Training, education, consciousness-raising 6,799 Euro = 8,175 CHF
Sun-Connect newsletter 15,010 Euro = 18,046 CHF
General administration costs (D and CH) 27,813 Euro = 33,439 CHF
Total: 343,346 Euro = 412,784 CHF
The means for the project work came in part from the appropriation of reserves.
Exchange rate euro/CHF: 31.12.2014.
35 Annual Report of the Stiftung Solarenergie – Solar Energy Foundation| 2014
Allocation of funds as per project
20%
16%
34%2%
4%
9%
8%
7% Revolving Fund
Solar village "Arso Amba"
Light for Education
Health Stations
Consciousness-raising in Europe
Sun-Connect Newsletter
Typhoon Yolanda
General administration
Project work as per country
8%
6%
3%
9%
74%
Project work in Ethiopia
Project work in Kenya
Project work in the Philippines
Project work in Europe
General administration