Discover solar solutions, skill opportunities, and entrepreneurship pathways for homes, farms, tea gardens, and rural enterprises.
A multi-stakeholder platform for accelerating distributed renewable energy.
Affordable rooftop solar solutions for rural and semi-urban households.
Clean energy systems for tea estates and worker communities.
Solar pumps and irrigation solutions supporting small tea growers.
Solar irrigation systems for agriculture.
Solar-powered systems for shops, micro-enterprises, and rural businesses.
Attract youth and students from tea garden and STG communities Provide industry-relevant solar and DRE skill training Develop certified technicians, installers, and entrepreneurs Create a trusted talent pool for DRE companies and recruiters Youth from tea garden communities gain sustainable livelihoods Rural areas gain access to local solar service providers North Bengal evolves into a regional talent hub for the DRE sectorTraining programs such as:
- Solar technician training
- Solar pump installation and servicing
- Solar electrician certification
- Solar entrepreneurship development
- Solar demonstration laboratories
- Live installation practice setups
- Product testing and troubleshooting labs
- Partnerships with solar companies and DRE enterprises
- Industry-led workshops and technical sessions
- Placement partnerships with solar installers and companies
The center will act as a trusted recruitment platform where DRE companies can hire trained youth, including:
- Solar installers
- Maintenance technicians
- Field engineers
- Sales and service professionals
Support trained youth to become local solar entrepreneurs through:
- Business mentoring
- Market linkages
- Access to solar products and suppliers
Bijoy, an 18-year-old from the farming hills of Darjeeling, faced challenges of seasonal income and frequent crop failures. Through the 45 days Solar Pump Technician Training, he gained practical skills in installation, wiring, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Today, he earns ₹11,200 CTC with food and accommodation, while also conducting community solar demonstrations—empowering local farmers and driving renewable energy adoption.
18-year-old Mohit knew about SwitchON Foundation from his sister and, out of curiosity, explored its skill courses. He enrolled in a 45 days Solar Pump Technician Training and soon secured a job at Bluestone Company with a monthly salary of ₹11,200. Mohit now realizes that without this training, he would have remained unemployed.
Nira Bhuniya, a 73-year-old woman living with her son who works in a tea garden, adopted two solar lights that not only provide her with safety and security during the night but also help her save on electricity costs.
Puran Rai a 47-year-old man, first bought a solar light, followed by a solar torch. The light ensures his children can study during power cuts, while the torch helps him check on his livestock at night—saving him battery costs.
49-year-old Rajesh Khawas purchased a solar home light last month for daily use. He has already noticed a reduction in his electricity costs, and the light works smoothly even on gloomy days.
Solar awareness campaigns
Solar melas and demonstrations
Training
Youth skill camps
Community discussions
