G.1 Introduction

In Cambodia, 80% of the population does not have access to electricity from the public grid and rely on costly and low-grade lighting sources such as candles, kerosene lanterns, and car batteries to provide light at night. Solar energy is abundant in Cambodia (over 1900 kWh/m2 per year) (Reinders et al., 2007). Solar-powered lighting has been demonstrated to be a good alternative for people in rural areas with low incomes; it has reliable high-quality light and has a lower environmental impact than traditional lighting (Ramani and Heijndermans, 2003).

In this case, we illustrate how a multidisciplinary team brought together user context research, business development, sustainability, and new technologies and innovations (see Figure G.1.1) to develop the “Moonlight.”

Figure G.1.1 An integral product development approach for the BoP (Diehl et al., 2008)

The Moonlight was developed at Kamworks, a social enterprise in Cambodia whose mission is to provide affordable sustainable energy systems for low-income consumers in Cambodia and to locally manufacture solar products in order to develop a sustainable market for solar energy for rural electrification. In Kamworks' vision, local production is necessary so that expertise and spare parts are easily available and so that repair and service are guaranteed. Besides that, local production will also create jobs and income for young Cambodians. Cambodia has a large proportion of its population under the age of 20 years (60%), and employment generation for young people is an especially pressing issue.