Himalayan Lighting Gompa Project
In 1998 Lotus Energy implemented two solar lighting systems for Buddhist monasteries (Gompas in Tibetan) in the remote “Helambu” of Nepal.
Funds for 90% of the hard goods were made available by the Japanese consortium member of the Virtual Foundation and the rest of the funds and installation were supplied by the local Nepali villagers. Lotus Energy also provided substantial discounts for this community based project.
Each solar power system consists of one 65W Siemens module, one 128 AH 12V Trojan battery, six high efficiency fluorescent lamps, mounting frame and all necessary accessories for the installation (including material for grounding). Now the Lamas (Gurus) and ordinary citizens who frequently visit the Gompas for (early morning and late evening) prayers have abundant light for reading the Buddhist Mantras. They are delighted that they don’t have to be choked in smoke from kerosene lamps.