Solar lights sold
Who we are
SolarAid is a leading international charity that provides access to clean, affordable solar lights.
Based in London and already working in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia we have set ourselves an ambitious goal: to eradicate the kerosene lamp from Africa by 2020.
One small light, one big idea
A solar lamp does more than shine a light. A solar lamp protects the environment and transforms lives.
598 million off-grid Africans have no access to electricity and many rely on toxic kerosene for lighting. These brutal lamps emit noxious black smoke and burn up to 20% of the household income - locking millions into poverty.
By contrast solar lights cost as little as $10, pay for themselves after 12 weeks and last for five years. Having free, clean light and not wasting money on kerosene transforms peoples’ chances in life.
We have taken on the challenge of getting these lights to the people that need them most and aim to get a clean light into every home in Africa by the end of the decade.
Find out even more about us by downloading some of our publications below:
Our distribution model – How it works in practice – May 2013
Press release – The biggest solar seller in Africa – Feb 2013
Photocard – Spread a little sunshine – Jan 2013
Factsheet – Facts about kerosene, solar & SolarAid – Apr 2013
We sell affordable solar lights to rural communities in Africa. Just £6 covers the delivery costs of an individual light, enabling a family to light their home. Brilliant. Share A Light now.
We sell solar lights to rural African communities through our SunnyMoney Schools Programme.
By catalysing the market and ensuring the availability of quality solar lights, we can replace kerosene lamps with clean, safe, affordable alternatives. And by partnering with others we can spread the model across Africa.
The challenge we face. Only 14.2% of people in rural sub-saharan Africa have access to electricity*.
We've found that quality solar lights increase people’s income by an average 20% per month, cut carbon emissions, improve education and better health. Together, we are lighting homes, schools and health clinics with clean and affordable light from the sun.
How do we all know all this? Visit our Impact page to find out!
Our annual reports, income and expenditure in bite-sized chunks. We want to show you exactly where your support goes. Visit: Charity-Commission.gov.uk.
By day I manage our SunnyMoney teams out in Africa as we continuously strive to innovate and scale up our work. More >
It’s my job to keep all things sunny in the Zambian operations! More >
Meet the Team or check out our Jobs page to get involved
