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The systems will be installed under a yen-loan project, an official development assistance program provided by the Japanese government, through Itochu Corp. According to the Kyocera Corp. statement, the yen-loan is a mechanism for lending development funds to developing countries at low interest rates on a long-term basis. Yen loans are designed to help developing countries stand on their own economically as they strive to become self-reliant. Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) will also be applied to this project for putting Japanese technologies to practical use.
Installation of the solar systems will begin April 2008 and cover 500 households in three Tunisian governorates – Keif, Siliana, and Reia. These systems will charge storage batteries using power generated during daylight hours and make the power available for residential lighting and other needs at night. Anticipated benefits include a new freedom to engage in nighttime studies and side jobs, improved quality of life, and enhanced growth and development for the villages.