Background

India’s national grid is powered largely by coal and so has a high CO2 emission factor. The Orb Solar project, now running across several states in India, reduces emissions through the use of solar hot water and solar electric installations, making full use of the most powerful source of renewable energy available.

The project

Through the carbon offset financing of solar installations, Orb Energy Ltd is able to operate an effective network of franchises delivering warranteed equipment to Indian communities. Such is the widespread benefit of this project, it has been designed for validation and verification under the Gold Standard - for projects making a positive contribution to sustainable development. Photo: installation of Orb energy systems. [Adeel Halim].

The introduction of Orb Solar equipment and installation has enabled local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and introduce valuable new skills to their communities. Their work brings increased employment in the area and raises awareness of how practical renewable energy can be. This educational outcome is a significant step in helping the developing world along a low carbon path.

Benefits beyond emissions

Social: Awareness is raised of renewable energy as a practical reality for individual householders, small private businesses are fostered, and families are less dependent on a grid supply which suffers from frequent outages.

Economic: The project builds business and professional skills in the community, creates new jobs, and builds a multitude of small locally-owned businesses.

Environmental: The project reduces green-house gas emissions and acts as a model for widespread adoption of environmentally-friendly technologies.

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