Start up hopes to get 1.2 billion people out of energy poverty

By Sophie Morlin-Yron, CNN

Updated 1116 GMT (1916 HKT) December 13, 2016

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Crowdfunding platform TRINE connects people with a disposable income to solar power entrepreneurs in Africa.
Photos: Can crowd investment help power East Africa?
Crowdfunding platform TRINE connects people with a disposable income to solar power entrepreneurs in Africa.
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TRINE hopes the initiative will help bring power to 1.2 billion people globally without electricity.
Photos: Can crowd investment help power East Africa?
TRINE hopes the initiative will help bring power to 1.2 billion people globally without electricity.
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People can use the platform either to buy Christmas vouchers as a gift, or invest money directly. Recipients of a Christmas voucher can invest the amount in a solar energy project in East Africa.
Photos: Can crowd investment help power East Africa?
People can use the platform either to buy Christmas vouchers as a gift, or invest money directly. Recipients of a Christmas voucher can invest the amount in a solar energy project in East Africa.
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The company hopes the investment will open up business opportunities for African entrepreneurs who sell solar power kits.
Photos: Can crowd investment help power East Africa?
The company hopes the investment will open up business opportunities for African entrepreneurs who sell solar power kits.
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Once a project is funded, TRINE lends the money to the entrepreneur who uses the money to buy solar kits.
Photos: Can crowd investment help power East Africa?
Once a project is funded, TRINE lends the money to the entrepreneur who uses the money to buy solar kits.
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Powered by either a microgrid or a small individual solar panel placed on the roof, the kits are used to power household appliances.<br />
Photos: Can crowd investment help power East Africa?
Powered by either a microgrid or a small individual solar panel placed on the roof, the kits are used to power household appliances.
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Most kits include solar-powered lamps. The company has eight projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Senegal.
Photos: Can crowd investment help power East Africa?
Most kits include solar-powered lamps. The company has eight projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Senegal.
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The end users typically live off the grid in rural areas where kerosene lamps and other fuels such as coal and wood are often used to power a household.