Comments on: Is Solar Rickshaw really a Panacea? Dangers of Media Hype

By: rickshaw advertising

rickshaw advertising — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 03:29:09 +0000

Soleckshaws are indeed a great step forward, but in this euphoric hype several important issues and questions are conveniently pushed under the rug: the soleckshaw is about three times as expensive as the cycle-rickshaw ($440 (Rs. 22000) as against $170 (Rs 8500)); secondhand ones or those remodeled from old bicycles are cheaper still. If the rickshaw-pullers could not afford their own rickshaw at $170 (Rs 8500), how are they more likely to become proud-owners by being able to afford the $440 (Rs 22000) one? How will the rickshaw-puller be able to handle the additional costs of electric-charging, batteries, solar-panels etc., on the soleckshaw if they could not look beyond the leasing-option on the no-such-additional-costs cycle-rickshaw? The dream of making the lessee rickshaw-pullers self-reliant, proud owners too needs greater planning and market research. If not, then the Center for Rural Development’s loans for soleckshaw may well turn-out to be as faulty and nearly as “toxic” as the US housing-market ones that are responsible for current economic woes globally.

By: Rama Iyer

Rama Iyer — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:24:10 +0000

Every invention at the beginning is always ridiculed. And yes it should be. Because the ridicule/criticism open the scope for improvements.
I do sincerely hope that this invention transforms into something wonderful and marvelous.
Dr Vandana , nice article.
But I would not want manufacturers or business men to become missionaries. They are there for business to make profit and to employ people. Every human being has a inherent greed inside us to be better than others. I would want manufacturers and businessmen to make profit so that they can then come up with new technologies and inventions. Nothing in this world should be for free.

By: Leveraging the Solar Rickshaws in India : EcoWorldly

Leveraging the Solar Rickshaws in India : EcoWorldly — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:58:59 +0000

[...] plans to adopt the Solar Rickshaw, like the ones in Delhi, in other cities such as Chandigarhmakes one wonder about the misplaced focus and euphoria of [...]

By: Soleckshaw: India’s Solar Rickshaw » Dekalb Academy of Technology & the Environment

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:21:03 +0000

[...] via Treehugger Via: Ecolocalizer and India’s Department of Science & Technology [...]

By: Govind Singh

Govind Singh — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:38:14 +0000

The fact that the Solar Rickswahs were just a piece of show-off was stated the very second day after its launch! I had missed the launch and could not get some images of these solar powered rickshaws the day they were launched and could not add them to my post
( http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/10/12/solar-powered-cycle-rickshaws-launched-in-delhis-oldest-and-busiest-market ), – the one added being from another blog.

So, I went to the area where these rickshaws were supposed to be plying three days after the launch and I could not find a single of them there! I was told that those either had charging problems or could not take the load.

I kept going back a couple of more times, but still could not catch a spot a single one to shoot.

By: sm hudson

sm hudson — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:12:17 +0000

It is true that media attention can sometimes cause a level of topic weariness and, sometimes, a certain level of misinformation. However, I find that it is best to listen to and read a variety of sources to increase my level of knowledge on any topic of interest. We must also be greatful that information is put “out there”, and trust that serious and knowledgeable persons in both the public and private sectors are encouraged publicly and monetarily to research and develop products and services which best suit the real needs of people and our world.

It is also true that there are generally multiple levels to any problem. Over time and with participation in working toward common goals, we continue to strive for solutions. Thank you for this article.

By: Garry G

Garry G — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:59:16 +0000

Thank you for writing this post– and for EcoWorldly for publishing it.

I couldn’t agree more. I think the sad reality is that most eco and energy bloggers are not trained in either field. There is a noticeable lack of knowledge of energy science and most posts are aimed at emotional engagement of web readers who prefer consumable eco ideas. The stickiest stories are often shallow and ineffective ‘consuming green’ solutions.

So many recent examples- like the solar powered Chinese car with panels strapped on top. It was a gimmick but ‘green’ blogger went crazy as if China had found a ‘solution’. They don’t understand the engineering of automobiles or energy density.

Or the recent platinum free alkaline fuel cell which many eco-energy bloggers wrote about for auto applications. Instead of being able to distinguish between different types of fuel cell applications.

Or bloggers confusing electric motors for energy storage devices. So many examples of badly written hype energy / eco stories across the web in the hope that we find ‘one solution’.

Thank you for addressing the hype within the blogosphere, and for your project efforts. I’ve spent two years living in India and Nepal (speak Nepali) and appreciate your desire to address root issues within South Asia.

Agree that it’s time to address the problems at a deeper (systems) level and not be satisfied with stories that just sound good.

Would also invite you to peek at our site (outside the GO Network, which I do respect tremendously!). I have spent 10 years working on energy industry projects and hold a masters degree in Futures Studies from the Univ of Houston. So our site takes the long view of energy, and promise that there is no hype.

Best
Garry Golden

Editor
The Energy Roadmap
http://www.theenergyroadmap.com