Using simple tools, Monal Mehta is drumming up support for clean power, one kid at a time, says Marisha Karwa
A 12-year-old's solar cooker school project many moons ago has today turned into a philosophy that is inspiring thousands of children to be enthusiastic about clean power. "In school, I had to demonstrate a basic solar cooker system made out of a cardboard box and foil paper. We melted old broken crayons placed in moulds inside the cooker and recycled them. The idea and concept just stuck with me. My interest in the subject just grew over the years and eventually, I specialised in the field," says Solar Desk founder Monal Mehta.
Working with Mahindra's solar energy arm, Mahindra Susten, Mehta realised that most people failed to embrace this clean source of power because they didn't believe that the technology would work. "Education and awareness was a huge obstacle back in 2012, as solar was not a very mature technology. I decided to set up my own company to educate people," says the 27-year-old. "Children are far smarter, open and exposed to newer things than adults. So we started designing simplified circuits for kids to experience solar hands on. It included designing simple solar lamps, fans, mobile phone chargers and solar cars. We broke down the very basics such that even 7-year-olds would be able to comfortably build their solar products."
Partnering with schools, NGOs and corporates, Mehta's company conducts workshops to create awareness and helps kids and adults build their own solar products. "We have been able to reach out to over 3,000 children," she says. "Besides, we work with various foundations to help teach rural and tribal girls how to build solar lamps. These girls not only build lamps for themselves, but also go to unelectrified areas and teach other people. This helps electrify rural areas in a sustainable manner. They are developing skills, an interest for science, hands-on learning and conserving power."
Mehta firmly believes that people will be able to adopt this "amazing source of free power" by making certain lifestyle changes and becoming aware of how solar technology works. What is the one change she'd like people to embrace? Pat comes the reply: "Pre-paid power!" The Mumbai-based entrepreneur explains, "Behavioural changes happen only when there is a change in the mindset. When you start pre-paying for your power, just like you do for mobile phone talktime, you make the consumer aware of their usage and spending pattern. You use less, try looking at alternative solutions and promote transparency in monitoring power as well".
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Monal Mehta")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}