Voices from the Field

In this FIELDcast, Harish Hande, Managing Director of the Solar Electric Company (SELCO) India discusses the growth of the company, challenges to expanding access to renewable energy in rural India and lessons learned through strategic partnerships with microfinance institutions. Harish has spent more than 10 years working with SELCO to provide India's rural poor with appropriate, affordable energy solutions.

The episode was developed to inform two new pilot projects being undertaken by FIELD. In partnership with ACCION and FINCA the projects will explore the role of microfinance in expanding renewable energy in Afghanistan and Uganda.

For more information on energy and microfinance, visit these papers from the SEEP Network:

• Using Microfinance to Expand Access to Energy Services: Summary of Findings
• Sparking Strong Partnerships: Field Tips from Microfinance Institutions and Energy Companies on Partnering to Expand Access to Energy Services