SunEdison to ‘Eradicate Darkness’ for thousands of rural Indians

US solar company SunEdison has launched a new program aimed at bringing renewable power to rural India.

The Eradication of Darkness venture will see the company design, install and manage micro-photovoltaic (PV) plants throughout the country.

A 14kW array has already been added to the village of Meerwada, with 29 others selected in the Guna District that will be used to test and develop the business model.

Around 20 percent of the global population currently has no secure access to electricity, 400,000 of which live in India.

“We have the opportunity to improve standards of living by enabling sustainable changes in the lifestyles, health, education and community affairs of thousands of people. We are excited to be the catalyst for this kind of remarkable transformation,” said Ahmad Chatila, president and CEO of SunEdison parent, MEMC.

He said the project would bring electricity to citizens in India who have never dreamt of having it in their homes or workplaces