Integrated Energy Centers (IEC) are solar powered community centers that can effectively host, provide, and facilitate a range of services, including: energy access, education, health, livelihood as well as promote employment in underserved communities. They are designed to meet basic needs and services that rely on energy, and are used actively in developing countries like India and South Africa. 

 

Each IEC is custom designed to meet the local environments and situations, and are usually independent units co-located at community center such as schools, hospitals, and libraries and other public spaces; or serve as a hub to provide finance, education, and health services that are difficult to obtain in the community.  Additionally, IECs can provide access to information regarding safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable use of energy, energy safe appliances, promote job opportunities through entrepreneurship and energy related businesses, and influence policy on both private and public sectors regarding access to safe and affordable energy.  

 

 IECs are owned and operated by individuals living in the community through entrepreneur-based, community-owned, or partner/operator-owned financial and organizational models.  IEC’s have significant benefits on education, health, information and awareness and can provide energy services like charged batteries, solar lamps and Wi-Fi hotspot for rent to numerous homes at very affordable costs.