Impact
Making a positive impact lies at the heart of our work. The women who train to be Orora Solar Specialists learn valuable skills and, through their work, have the opportunity to improve personal finances, health, and education. Even more, Orora PowerHubs are used to power small and medium enterprises (SMEs), schools, and homes, and to provide street lighting. Each of these has its own benefits – such as improving personal and community finances, increasing women's safety, expanding access to healthcare, and growing educational opportunities.
Major Benefits
Finances
Orora PowerHubs power small and medium enterprises (SMEs), providing a sustainable source of income for workers and business owners. Students whose schools are powered by PowerHubs increase their earning potential. And Orora-trained engineers earn money by installing and maintaining Power Hubs.
Safety
Women in India and other developing countries are at high risk of assault at night because of a lack of street lighting. Orora PowerHubs can be connected to streetlights that increase women's safety. By making it safer to travel at night, street lighting also empowers women to have more stable work, income, and independence.
Health
Women and their families are better able to afford healthcare with the income they earn as Orora Solar Specialists or working at PowerHub-powered businesses. Solar Specialists have shared that the opportunity to learn and work has improved their mental health, as well. And electrification allows homes, schools, and workplaces to stop burning wood and other fuels that cause indoor air pollution.
Education
Orora PowerHubs have been used to power rural schools, while home electrification allows students to study more effectively. Orora also educates women through our solar training program and provides financial literacy courses so women can successfully start small businesses and manage their finances.
By The Numbers
Social
Impact
No. of jobs created with Orora products and services : 300
No. of women trained with solar skills : 30
Annual increase in production capacity : 6000
Environmental Impact
No. of Orora Solar Units installed: 100
No. of Orora PowerHubs set up: 17
Solar power delivered (kWh) : 83 kWh
No. of people moved out of Energy Poverty : 500
Financial Impact
Total Impact Investment Raised (USD) : $500,000
Annual Increase in the salary of technicians : $800
Annual Increase in the salary of engineers: $3200
Revenue within rural communities: $275,000
Testimonials
Orora Solar Specialists attend our Solar Production Center and trained to install and maintain PowerHubs. Below are some stories of how becoming a Solar Specialist transformed their lives.
All Orora employees in our 1st rural Solar Production Center became debt free or stopped taking more loans in 6 months
❝My husband works in the city and can send money only end of every month. If my child or mother falls sick, I have to think about a loan before I can think of seeing a doctor. Now I feel confident of caring for my family on my own❞
- Kavitha, Orora Solar Specialist from Amoor, mother of 3
Training with Orora has given rural women confidence to set up small businesses
❝I saved and bought a sewing machine so that me and my daughter can offer tailoring services and create additional income for the family.❞
- Karpagavalli, Orora Solar Specialist from Gunaseelam
Orora women are starting to dream bigger
❝ I am now inspired to think bigger and with some extra cash we wanted to see how we could increase our farm output. We bought good quality manure and are hoping to double our harvest this time❞
- Jayanthi, Orora Solar Specialist from Karnavalli
Orora women could get immediate help for medical emergencies with their salary savings
❝ A poisonous snake in the field bit me. I had to be hospitalized for 5 days. My family could deal with the ordeal as my salary savings paid for the expenses and we don't have to compromise on the treatment❞
- Tamil Selvi, Orora Solar Specialist from Manapalayam
Orora’s working community has become a support group to share, discuss and resolve domestic hardships
❝ I had some medical issues. I had noone to talk to and nothing to distract me. The lonely home environment made it worse. My sister inspired me to join this class. Just being productive and the friendships helped me recover. I could successfully deal with my problems to be healthy again ❞
- Gomathi, Orora Solar Specialist from Karnavalli
Orora PowerHub
The Orora Power Hub is a modular 1.5-10 kW solar power module that transforms rural communities.
Business Model
There's huge potential for PowerHubs in India and beyond. Learn about the opportunity and our business model, which benefits investors and communities alike.
Get Involved
Learn how to order an Orora Power Hub, purchase carbon offsets, or become an investment partner. We'd love to work with you!