1. Preface The Stiftung Solarenergie Solar Energy Foundation: a brief overview Activities in Development: Solar villages..

Transcription

1 Annual Report 2014

2 1 Table of contents 1. Preface 2 2. The Stiftung Solarenergie Solar Energy Foundation: a brief overview 3 3. Activities in Development: Solar villages Training Education Health Public relations Fundraising activities Foundation of the Sun-Connect eg cooperative The Stiftung Solarenergie Solar Energy Foundation in the press Imprint Our supporters th Financial Report

3 2 1. Preface Dear Readers, the focus of our work is to alleviate poverty by means of the provision of solar 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 Arso Amba is Ethiopia's fourth solar village. Light and electricity are important prerequisites for the alleviation of poverty and for development. Nevertheless, 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 approach. 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 economy. 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

4 3 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. We can speak of fuel poverty if there is no or only limited access to power for the purpose of cooking, 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, charcoal, dung or plant rests for cooking and heating. However, if power is not available, cannot be used efficiently or is not affordable, important requirements cannot 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 opportunities as well as their possibilities to generate income are limited. (Source: BMZ, Informationsbroschüre 1/2014 Nachhaltige Energie für Entwicklung ) 2. The Stiftung Solarenergie Solar Energy Foundation: 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 protection, 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 kerosene 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 particularly as a result. By providing rural health stations with solar light and solar refrigeration for medicine we contribute towards improving this situation.

5 4 Water Dirty drinking water can result in serious illnesses and even death. Nevertheless, access to clean drinking water 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 Solarenergie 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 development: 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 disinfection 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 improvement of the social and economic situation and this is the reason why the demand for it in the population 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 development can only be triggered off in this way.

6 5 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.

7 6 3. Activities in 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 administered by the Stiftung Solarenergie as well as the village administration. Ethiopia Arso Amba, the new solar village Das neue Solardorf In 2014 we started to electrify the village of Arso Amba in Ethiopia, thus continuing our successful solar village concept. Arso Amba is situated 280 km northeast of the capital city, Addis Ababa, in a mountainous and remote region 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 inhabitants 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.

8 7 The provision of solar energy offers the entire village development opportunities: 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 contribute 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 subjects. 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: households, schools, health stations, churches and their water supplies. In this way we are making a long-term contribution towards the alleviation of poverty. Our concept 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 outside lighting on the houses gives us all a totally different feeling of safety. Kelemuwa, inhabitant of Arso Amba

9 8 Solar energy for households Up until the end of the year male and female technicians of the Stiftung Solarenergie Solar Energy Foundation 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 onsite 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 inhabitants, 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 foundation provide assistance in the event of complications.

10 9 The greatest challenge for successful and sustainable rural electrification is not the installation of solar systems. 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 aftersales service. 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. 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.

11 10 ie 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.

12 11 A very special moment: The light is switched on in the tukul for the first time. It is very moving - even for the technicians - to see how delighted the inhabitants are. Finally, every household is given a number. This means that the system was installed by the Stiftung Solarenergie and that we will provide service later on and assistance in the event of complications. It fascinates me to see how easy it is to make decisive improvements to the people s lives simply by providing them with solar energy. After each and every successfully installed system, I know exactly why I love working as a solar technician, says Mena Hailemichael She is one of the first women in Ethiopia who successfully completed a supplementary training programme to become a solar technician.

13 12 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 superfluous. 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 Light and refrigeration for the health station The number of immunizations and the number of births in Arso Amba s health station have risen considerably since the middle of The reason for this, on the one hand, is the fact that they now have the possibility 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 available.

14 13 The health station (here outside) is a meeting place for the whole village and the surrounding smaller settlements. Now more people, above all families with children, are coming there in order to be inoculated, for example 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

15 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 challenge is creating the necessary competency in the countries themselves, i.e. knowledge about solar energy and its fields of application, particularly in the off-grid sector. At the same time, it is essential to convey 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 Energy 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 photovoltaics, the topics are, in particular, the installation of solar systems and the basics of solar energy management. The resonance is very good and we are planning several training courses for 2015 too. We are increasingly 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 applied in a professional way.

16 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 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 prepare for my lessons in the evening too. Hiwot, Female pupil from Arso Amba 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.

17 16 Ethiopia/ Education in Arso Amba We are switching on the light in Arso Amba s school! At the end of December we provided three of the classrooms in the school in Arso Amba with light and further 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 interest. 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. 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 fingerprint. I hope I will soon be able to sign with my name! Etabez, Female villager from Arso Amba

18 17 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. Solar libraries in Ethiopia and in the Philippines More education by means of solar energy - the aim of our initiative was to ensure equal schooling opportunities for girls and boys. The key to this are libraries. They offer everybody, independent of their income, status, 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 tablet 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 tablets 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, physics, biology and geography.

19 18 Up until know the tablet library has been located in the rooms of the community centre of Rema. The employees 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 realisation and problems with the customs. However, we are now delighted that we were finally able to open the tablet library in 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 advance 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.

20 19 A solar library consists of 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 responsibility 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 outside. Now we can remain in the classroom, are protected from the heat and the rain and teachers and pupils can concentrate better. Jim Ayala, Director of the Stiftung Solarenergie Solar Energy Foundation Philippines: Our programme promotes educational opportunities in schools which have access 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 Solarenergie, make solar lamps available to the pupils which can also be used at home. The effect has been incredible. According to studies which we carried out in the schools involved, the motivation to learn has increased by 97% and the average learning time is around 45% higher. 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.

21 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 system. In many developing countries adequate basic medical care is still not available for most of the population. In this context the lack of light and electricity are important factors. Ethiopia / Kenya Light on for the health stations! 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 stations are optimally equipped with solar electricity and the patients quality of life is improved. Andreas Joehle, Chairman of the Board of Directors PAUL HARTMANN AG

22 21 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 positive effects solar equipment can have: Solar light has changed everything. 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 Solarenergie 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 solar power. 100 further health stations are now to follow: This is the target of the programme Solar energy for health stations in Ethiopia and Kenya which began on 29 th October Gathu Kirubi, Director of the Stiftung Solarenergie Solar Energy Foundation Kenya: The provision of reliable basic solar equipment can improve the situation for the people in Kenya decisively. State-promoted immunization campaigns and free medication 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! 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. No possibility to treat patients after sunset (after approx. 6 pm) Inadequate means for cooling medicines and vaccines The greatest problems without a power supply: 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

23 22 Philippines Solar suitcases for the emergency medical assistance of mothers and children! 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 conjunction 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 The health stations are situated on Palawan, CeBu, Leyte and Samar, i.e. in regions which were hit by Typhoon Hayan in 2013 and by Typhoon Rammasun last year. Distribution of solar suitcases on the Philippines (status 12/2014) Vor allem für den Notfalleinsatz bilden die Solar Suitcases eine wichtige Unterstützung, Schwerpunkt liegt hier auf der Geburtshilfe. Source: Solar Energy Foundation Philippines

24 23 The solar suitcases create better preconditions for a reliable supervision of women giving birth and are particularly important in the event of medical 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 battery,a 15 A charge controller, two headlamps and a fetal heart doppler. Source: We Care Solar 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 station. The birth wasn t easy and took place at night. Thanks to the midwife and thanks to the solar light everything went well! Angelica, a young Philippine mother

25 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 Internet platform connect.org (on the right). This is a free platform with tips, reports on our experiences and basic stimuli about matters related to rural electrification. Part of this platform is a monthly mailing service to more than 6,000 recipients. Participation at conferences in 2014: : Lecture in Mainz about the foundation and the cooperative by Urstrom eg : 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: : Lecture at the REPIC Study Day in Freiburg/Switzerland : Lecture in Maputo (Mozambique): Entrepreneur Day Off-Grid Photovoltaic in Mozambique (Organizers: GIZ and Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Südliches Afrika)

26 25 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 Initiative). 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 important 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 Development, 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: Stiftung Solarenergie Ethiopia Stiftung Solarenergie Philippines Also check out the Partner Foundations on Facebook:

27 Fundraising activities Ride for Light. In 2014 friends and donors of the Solar Energy Foundation from Ethiopia and the Netherlands cycled again from Arso Amba to the Solar Valley, 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 supported 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 or here:

28 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 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, water pumps etc.) and pilot projects (solar villages). By the cooperative had 82 members who held cooperative shares to the value of 558,400. For further information about the cooperative go to:

29 28 4. The Stiftung Solar Energie Solar Energy Foundation in the press Downloadable at: 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 29 th October 2014 Solar Energy for Health Centers in Africa Press release from 29 th October 2014 Cycle for Light Tour 2014 collects 10,000 Press release from 30 th October 2014 Transparenz für die gute Sache in: BIZZ energy today, 11/2014 Solar suitcases panels to power Iloilo clinics at: Dezember 2014 Licht fuer Kinderaugen Wattline Weihnachtsspende in: Wattline Winter Magazin/ 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.

30 29 5. Imprint Published by: Solar Energy Foundation Germany Solar Energy Foundation Switzerland Weberstrasse 10 Postfach Merzhausen 8042 Zürich Germany Switzerland Texts: Eva-Maria Forstmeier, Dr. Harald Schützeichel Photo credits: All photographs: Solar Energy Foundation Time period: Languages: This annual report is available in German and English Ethiopia Bole Subcity P.O. Box 22734/1000 Addis Ababa Germany Weberstrasse Merzhausen Kenya Off-Thika Road P.O. Box Nairobi Netherlands Wilhelminalaan 24 NL 5691 AZ Son en Breugel Donation accounts: Volksbank Freiburg PostFinance Philippines 1609 Cypress St Dasmarinas Village Makati City 1222 IBAN: DE IBAN CH BIC: GENODE61FR1 BIC POFICHBEXXX The Solar Energy Foundation is recognized as a charitable organization. Switzerland Postfach Zürich

31 30 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!

32 31 APPENDIX 7 th Financial Report 2014

33 32 A. Stiftung Solarenergie - Solar Energy Foundation Germany BALANCE SHEET as of 31 st December 2014 ASSETS EUR A. FIXED ASSETS I. Intangible assets II. Tangible assets 1, III. Financial assets 14, B. CURRENT ASSETS I. Receivables, other assets 17, II. Securities 105, III. cash, bank accounts 166, C. PREPAID EXPENSES AND DEFERRED CHARGES , ========== LIABILITIES EUR A. EQUITY I. Foundation capital 148, II. Revenue reserves 0.00 III. Retained earnings 131, B. PROVISIONS I. Other provisions 4, C. LIABILITIES 5, , ==========

34 33 B. Stiftung Solarenergie - Solar Energy Foundation Switzerland BALANCE SHEET as of 31 st December 2014 ASSETS CHF A. CURRENT ASSETS I. Liquid funds and securities 33, II. Prepaid expenses and deferred charges 0.00 B. FIXED ASSETS I. movable tangible assets 1, II. Financial assets 137, C. CAPITALISED EXPENSES AND ACTIVE ADJUSTING ENTRIES , ========== LIABILITIES CHF A. CURRENT LIABILITIES I. Current liabilities trade receivables 5, II. Accrued expenses and deferred income 3, III. Current provisions 136, B. EQUITY I. Foundation capital 50, II. Net income -24, C. LOSS -125, , ==========

35 34 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 Light for Education Revolving Fund Health stations 55,920 Euro = 67,230 CHF 114,662 Euro = 137,848 CHF 67,480 Euro = 81,125 CHF 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 Sun-Connect newsletter 6,799 Euro = 8,175 CHF 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:

36 35 Allocation of funds as per project 34% 7% 2% 4% Revolving Fund Solar village "Arso Amba" Light for Education 9% Health Stations Consciousness-raising in Europe 16% 8% Sun-Connect Newsletter Typhoon Yolanda General administration 20% Project work as per country 74% 3% 9% 8% 6% Project work in Ethiopia Project work in Kenya Project work in the Philippines Project work in Europe General administration