Solar Power to Villages in Karen State, Myanmar

The electrification plan that started in Mar. last year successfully ended by the end of June.  During this period 1,570 home use systems were installed in the 15 villages in the Eastern Mon and Western Karen(Kayin) states of Myanmar.

As had been cited in the last report those areas occupied by the Ethnical Armed Groups(EAG) were left without any infrastructure.  Especially in the State of Kayin where the national grid system of electricity is penetrating in only 10% of households all the houses (but for some who could afford to equip solar systems for themselves) were spending nights with candle lights.

Now that they could get solar electricity (although minimal systems) ,they were very much rejoiced being able to have dinner under lights, take good care of children ill in bed, charge their cell phones (basically not for communications but for pleasure as the radio wave is not reaching), etc.  Children are now possible to study at home in night time too.  One of the largest advantage of obtaining solar light is that, all of the villagers responded, they are now free from spending precious cash to buy candles.

When BHN started this project our largest concern was that the villages in the EAG areas were not visited by any foreigner before and we could not anticipate how the villagers respond to our visits.  However, once we start visiting and explaining our intention from village to village, we were gradually accepted warmly and we could even stay overnights in the private houses.

Another concern for us was the difficulty of moving and working in the rainy season.  Basically transportation of materials and construction works for solar systems are possible only in dry season.  During the rainy season we conducted researches and monitoring works using boats and walking in the paddy trails.

As for our next project we are planning to start another solar systems installation works in the other areas in Kayin State.