On an otherwise reasonable evening, more than 1,000 people packed an auditorium in Boulder, Colorado, for the culmination of the 2011 Unreasonable Institute. They came to see 27 ventures present their solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges.
Gaurav Manchanda, Founder of One Degree Solar shares how his venture tackles the big problem of how low-income households and small businesses that are forced to rely on candles, kerosene, batteries and other polluting energy sources for lighting and power. One Degree Solar has developed the BrightBox, an affordable, solar-powered battery kit that powers light bulbs, phones, and virtually any USB device. Conventional alternatives in the micro-solar market require specialized tools, training, and spare parts, making after-sales support difficult and expensive for both suppliers and customers.
I was so frustrated with the situation of minimal progress, I had to find a better way. Tweet This Quote
This issue is further exacerbated by the lack of direct contact with customers and knowledge of their locations. Unlike traditional suppliers, ODS has integrated after-sales support and mobile-based customer service into each step of its value chain, providing an unprecedented customer experience that drives lasting and widespread customer adoption.