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

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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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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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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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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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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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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