Breakthrough in solar energy manufacturing in East Africa East Africa is a fast growing (import) market for solar energy applications and Kenya in particular is leading in this respect. However growth figures dropped over the last few years due to the particular composition of technological solutions and modules supplied and the segmentation of the consumer market. This project will contribute to the further local (and regional) development of this sector, by establishing the first production plant for high quality poly-crystalline PhotoVoltaic (PV) modules in East Africa. In addition, a low-voltage mini-Solar Home System (SHS) will be developed and introduced to the market at a revolutionary price. The project introduces high-tech laser and lamination production technology and expects to be a catalyst for further development of the solar chain. Laser technology is applied to convert rejected but reusable solar cells from European factories into mini-cells.Partners in this new venture are: applicant Ubbink B.V. from Doesburg, which is part of the Centrotec Group of companies, and local partner the Kenyan company Largo Investments Ltd in cooperation with its 100% subsidiary Chloride Exide Kenya Ltd. The project is highly innovative. There is no production of solar modules in East Africa yet; all systems are imported. The project involves a high element of technology transfer and training and will benefit urban and rural households. It is also expected to result in policy changes to arrive at a more favourable investment climate for local producers of solar energy applications, and a further deepening of the solar system producer and consumer market.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Both partners have integrated CSR policies and an excellent reputation in this respect. As for the applicant, CSR in a wider context is – next to sound commercial interests – one of the drivers behind this project. The following aspects will be part of the project's CSR policy:•	Staff Code of Conduct, attractive salaries and sound labour standards.•	Health and safety policy (favourable package including basic medical insurance).•	Sound environmental standards, reduction of negative environmental impact.•	Human rights, anti-corruption, product quality and chain responsibility.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsDuring the project, 32 people will be employed of whom 5 are medium/higher staff. This will be respectively 48 and 9, two years after the pilot. Wages are considerably higher than the minimum for similar positions in the local manufacturing sector. Side benefits include training, lunches at work, performance related and annual bonuses, housing allowance, medical cost reimbursement, transport from home to work and a pension scheme. Working conditions are good with ample attention to occupational health and safety. The joint venture will develop a staff Code of Conduct in line with the existing Code of CEKL.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeAll training related to the production process is new to the country. Modern technologies and production concepts will be introduced. The extensive training package foreseen in this project will importantly contribute to new knowledge and skills for employees across the organisation.•	Chain effectsThe establishment of a local production unit for high quality solar modules is expected to have a profound impact on this sector, both in terms of supply, but – equally important – by pushing the boundaries of the market much further. This is particularly true when the mini-SHS proves to be a success on the market and shall become in reach of new groups of consumers, who could otherwise not afford it. It is furthermore anticipated that the example of high quality local production by a professional partnership, backed by conducive fiscal government policies, will invite others to invest in the sector, thus crowding-in new players in the market and making it even more competitive and innovative. Parties benefiting in the long term are distributors/retailers, system integrators, end-users (households and small businesses, schools, hospitals who are off-grid) and local producers of components. The project expects to give structural work and income to minimal 3 sub-contractors or other suppliers of goods and services.•	EnvironmentThe project will have a positive impact on the environment as solar energy will, to an important extent, replace the use of batteries and kerosene. A limited Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be carried out prior to construction of the production facility. NEMA certification also includes environmental screening, next to an inventory of occupational health and safety risks.•	Position of womenThe percentage of women in almost all positions is expected to be 50% and possibly even higher at production level due to the required accuracy in this high tech environment. Women will get the same remuneration package as men for similar positions and are entitled to maternity leave. To start the first East African manufacturing plant for polycrystalline (PV) modules with a production of 15,000 modules at the end of the pilot.