Rahimafrooz Solar Home System

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Manufacturer and partner organizations such as the Rural Electrification Board (REB), Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and others. The program has fund support from the World Bank, Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and KFW by Infrastructure Development Company Ltd.^{Correspondence with manufacturer}

Manufacturing/Building Method

All of the components are mass produced by Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Ltd. The solar panels are manufactured in an automated PV module manufacturing plant, while the batteries are manufactured with production machineries through a environment-friendly manufacturing process in a Rahimafrooz Accumulators Ltd facility.

Intellectural Property Type

Other

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the product directly from Rahimafrooz.

Distributions to Date Status

Over 600,000

Design Specifications

Specifications for the 6 different solar home systems offered by Rahimafrooz:

Technical Support

Provided by the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

Available

Lifecycle

Both the batteries and charge controllers have a 5 years lifecycle, whereas the PV solar panels have a 25 years lifecycle.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The manufacturers specify a high load bearing capacity capable of resisting high wind forces and snow load due to special acrylic foam tape used to fix the frame, guaranteed electrical performance as cell strings are produced through automated soldering technology under uniform pressure and thermal process, and highest personal safety and module robustness as Hi-Pot tester carries out hi-potential and ground continuity test for individual panel as their performance targets.  

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

If pressure is applied on the photovoltaic panel by sitting or stepping on it, the device might break and cause bodily injury or electrical shock. Precaution must be taken regarding electrical contacts or wiring, the person handling them must use adequate safety gear. To avoid electrical shock, the photovoltaic panel must be earth grounded. A minor risk of burns exists due to the heating of the photovoltaic panel's surface by the sun.

Complementary Technical Systems

Depending on the capacity of the system, appliances such as a TV, Radio or DC fan can be added.  

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

IDCOL approved, IEC Certifications from TUV USA, UL Certifications USA

Other Information

Rahimafrooz buys batteries back at the end of their service, paying users $4 - $6. Rahimafrooz received an Ashden Award in 2006.