SIMbaLink is a collaboration between the Interactive Telecommunications Program, the Courant Institute of Mathematics and the Center for Technology and Economic Development. We are developing a low cost technology that makes solar electrification more sustainable and feasible especially in rural sub-Saharan Africa by using existing mobile network infrastructures.

A well-maintained PV system can last up to 20 years, but regular monitoring and maintenance is critical to the longevity of the system. But the high cost of transportation for in-person maintenance visits to remote developing areas means that most rural home systems are not adequately maintained. This has created one of the largest barriers to the widespread adoption of solar power in sub-Saharan Africa.

In East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania), mobile network penetration is high and expected to reach 100% by 2015. We take advantage of this infrastructure by using the mobile network to reach the most remote rural households. By enabling communication, we can ensure that homeowners can receive sufficient and timely maintenance and support for their Solar Home System. In this way, we can create a market for solar electrification in areas that were previously inaccessible or non-profitable for solar providers. See why SIMbaLink's target region is East Africa.

The SIMbaLink module uses the existing mobile network to send Solar Home System health updates to a technician located in an urban or rural center. Remote monitoring reduces the amount of visits that the technician needs to make to a certain household. Also, when the technician does make a visit, he or she will already know what the problem is.