[I]n remote parts of Africa and the Indian subcontinent...through small loans for solar powered devices, microfinance is bringing light...where a lack of electricity has stymied economic development, literacy rates and health..."They have increased their productivity, improved their health and socio-economic status," said Pinal Shah from Sewa bank, a micro-lending institution. Vegetable seller Ramiben Waghri [who] took out a loan to buy a solar lantern ...estimates she makes about 300 rupees ($6) more each evening with her lantern...Sewa...is among a growing number of microfinance institutions in India focused on providing affordable renewable energy sources to poor people...SKS Microfinance...offers solar lamps to...5 million customers... The Aryavart Gramin bank has approved loans for the installation of 8,000 solar-home-systems in Uttar Pradesh…[also refers to Grameen Bank]