UNSW Newsroom – The State of Repair in the Off-Grid Solar Sector, opens in a new window report, co-authored by UNSW Sydney researchers in partnership with Solar Aid, surveyed 75 stakeholders in the solar sector from companies and organisations operating in 31 countries about their repair ethos and practices. The report found that 90 per cent of all off-grid distributors have some form of repair service but are hindered by a lack of available spare parts, modular designs, limited consumer protections and inadequate repair training.
ABC National Radio – Paul Munro was interviewed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). He discussed our research on off-grid (final 8 mins) solar repair and e-waste, including our current projects in Vanuatu, Zambia and Malawi.
He outlines the dynamics of the off-grid sector that complicate local repair, the challenges communities face on the ground, and the range of solutions (both upstream & downstream). we advocate for in order to improve repairability and reduce flows of e-waste.
The Times Malawi – Charles Mpaka delves into a study on the adverse impacts of lead-acid battery disposal (used in solar systems) in Malawi by the University of Manchester. Our colleague Shanil Samarakoon was interviewed for his views on this as an issue of energy justice.