Solar solutions in remote locations

Daily Telegraph
Wednesday 17/11/2010 Page: 67

Solar-Gem is a Sydney-based company that works to bring power to rural and regional communities around the world. Since its establishment just last year, Solar-Gem has experienced export success, landed four innovation and design awards and enjoyed growing use of its technology. Solar-Gem's system provides a "portable and reliable energy solution", according to its CEO, Khimji Vaghjiani.

It uses solar powered light-emitting diode (LED) units to create "efficient, renewable energy for lighting, mobile phones, small laptops and other appliances, while at the same time reducing reliance on grid-connected power", he said. Mr Vaghjiani said the advantages of the system are its portability and long life but getting it out into communities can be a challenge, although the company is looking at ways of improving this. The technology is being implemented in different countries, helping to achieve the company's goal of bringing electricity to the remote communities of the world.

In Africa, the LED units provide light for hospitals and surgeries, as well as a post-natal unit. A community in Fiji has also just had the system introduced. Closer to home, a trial is being undertaken at Calmsley Hill City Farm in Sydney's west. An official trial is also under way in a village on Elephanta Island in India, near the world heritage site of the Elephanta caves. A unit has been installed in each of the 35 homes in the village, and the system was first turned on in October during Diwali, the Indian festival of lights.

If successful, the trial could expand to include other villages on the island and across India. The trial was organised in conjunction with Austrade, which has worked with Solar-Gem to distribute its product. Austrade helped Solar-Gem market the business, as well as connect with potential overseas clients. Solar-Gem's innovative units, which are manufactured in Marrick have earned the company many awards, including Australian Innovator of the Year, a community contribution award and a gong for design excellence in architecture.