As an institute involved in climate change research in the Himalaya, the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) uses solar thermal space heating in its office, recycles waste water and generates methane gas for its kitchen from canteen waste.

But what to do about its fleet of petrol and diesel vehicles ?

“Whenever the car is free in the day, it is being charged. Also, if there is power left over from the battery bank, it can be used if there is insufficient solar power,” ICIMOD's Mohan Shrestha explains.

ICIMOD is now looking for larger electric cars, including buses, to replace its diesel vehicles. But for that, Shrestha says, the solar charging panels may also need to be upgraded.