"In the meantime, figures show that Bangladeshis are doing it for themselves. In the past year alone, the number of solar-powered household systems has doubled to 300,000, delivering electricity to 2.5 million people." "Solar systems are selling so fast in rural areas that we're struggling to keep up with demand," said Dipal Barua, Grameen Shakti's head. Bangla 'green revolution' starts with solar power - Yahoo! News
Not surprising - power demands are probably extremely low and there is little existing infrastructure to compete with.
When you have no electricity and you add solar power you don't actually reduce carbon emissions however you have more electricity generation with no increase in carbon emissions which is great. Solar is cheap compared to running transmission wires and poles for several miles to one home.
It's much easier to use new, green technology in an environment that has no existing infrastructure than it is to convert an existing system (or add elements onto an existing grid). This is the same as with managing a company or project - it's much easier to start out a new company using the latest management tactics and aids, far more difficult to convert an existing company with entrenched processes, ideas and values (I know - this is what I do as a consultant). One of the biggest advantages to solar and wind is there is little cost once the equipment is in place. Maintenance on small, distributive systems is easier/cheaper than on a grid, and there are no fuel costs as there are with a conventional grid (or even with conventional ICE-driven generators). I'd love to have the freedom to set up a community with such new technology!
