Off-grid solar brings light, time and income to remotest villages

In Indonesiax27s far-east island of Sumba, off-grid solar is lighting up lives for residents still living out of reach of the countryx27s national electricity provider. For the equivalent of $3.50 per month paid over three years to grassroots social enterprise projects, villagers can buy solar home systems generating enough electricity for lightbulbs, cellphone chargers and other appliances. While financial, maintenance and supply issues remain, experts say the solar schemes on the island cou…