Many solar products were carried to the road shows

“Very good quality!”, “You can even charge your phone!”, “The time for buying batteries is over!” were some of the points made by the sales agents who supported the two Road Shows in Buchanan, Grand Bassa and Margibi, Bong and Nimba County, both dated December 2016.

Both road shows were part of the “Lighting Lives in Liberia (LLL) Project” with an overall objective to promote and provide modern solar products to off-grid users in Liberia. They were organized by the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) together with its partners, the German International Cooperation (GIZ/EnDev) and Mercy Corps.

In the run-up, a lot of organizational effort was done. All solar lamps were tested and loaded; meetings with all sales agents were held; flyers were printed and radio jingles were aired to advertise the upcoming events.

During the road shows, a big floater with sample products, decorations and loud music announced the promotion and selling of solar lamps. Also, a performance group and street theatre actors were hired to attract people to listen to the presentation of various solar products.

A decorated floater with promotional and educational messages

Individual sales agents from retailing organizations provided the crowd with factsheets and information about the products and made sales to interested customers. The numerous products ranged from small solar torches with prices less than 10 USD up to Solar Home Systems (which provide clean energy for lighting a whole household with several bulbs) that cost around $75 to $110 USD.

Presentation of solar products

The first roadshow in Buchanan attracted lots of spectators and sufficient awareness was created, however, sales remained below expectations (where less than 25% of the products available for the event were sold). Abubakar K. Sherif, Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Liberian Energy Network (LEN) made an important critical point: “A roadshow lasts only one day, but what counts is to be present regularly on local markets on community level, especially in the rural areas.”

RREA staff demonstrates to potential buyers lights' functions

Instead of holding the event only in one city, during the second roadshow, several stops were made in Kakata, Margibi County, Totota and Gbarnga, Bong County and Ganta, Nimba County.

Sales were very successful, especially in Gbarnga and Ganta, with more than 60% of the products available sold. Additionally, sufficient awareness was created and more end users have asked for the continuation of the Road Show to other parts of Nimba and Bong County due to the big demand for solar products in small villages.