While the order itself was a large one, (the largest order of its kind in India), what was mind boggling was the sheer logistics involved in providing cleaner, greener energy to thousands of families in Ladakh, some of them living at altitudes of 10,000 ft. The products had to be manufactured, certified and inspected at Tata BP Solar’s state of the art manufacturing facilities in Bangalore and transported by road, a good 3000 kilometers away to Leh, the capital of Ladakh.

118 trucks to transport the products, the establishment of a Regional Office in Leh, the administrative capital of Ladakh, (probably the Highest Solar Service Centre in the world at a height of 11,500 feet above sea level), the setting up of a Project Management Team on site, the extensive training of 87 local personnel, 252 man months… these tell but one part of the story.

Many a time, the Systems were dropped off at the last motorable point, after which they were transported onwards by donkeys, yaks or human beings, sometimes at several days walking distance way! The weather was bone chilling. The time frame punishing: a mere 4 months.

But each challenge offered Tata BP Solar another opportunity to use its resources and know how in newer, more innovative ways.

The Fee For Service Concept is another innovative aspect of this Project. Here, the end users effectively rent the Solar Home Lighting Systems from LREDA, with a one off installation charge of Rs.1000 as well as a monthly fee of Rs.60. The collected money stays in the community and will be used not only for maintenance but also for replacement of batteries after 5 years.

As part of its contract with LREDA, Tata BP Solar not only installed the Home Lighting Systems but will also remain responsible for maintaining them for the first 5 years.