News and views

Thank you for a great 2017

As 2017 comes to a close we want to send a big THANK YOU to all our supporters and everyone who has helped promote SolarAid and fundraised for us over the year. It’s been another eventful year and as we pass the winter solstice, with the shortest day of sunshine, it seems important to take stock, reflect […]

A child has a right to Education

During a recent visit to Malawi, I travelled with our team to the district of Salima, a few hours outside of Lilongwe, to see how our team is working to introduce rural communities to solar power and lighting. On a Saturday morning, we met up with local school teacher, to deliver a new batch of […]

Mathani – Talking about solar lights

  This film for SolarAid was shot on Mafia Island, Tanzania. The crew began shooting 30 seconds after meeting Athmani. The cameraman, Brad, carried a small camera on a stick, and was accompanied by @Ralph_Greenland from SolarAid UK. The translator is Irene Chalya from SolarAid Tanzania.

Large parts of Malawi plunged into darkness

As recently highlighted in the Guardian newspaper, Malawi has been suffering from an extended period of drought throughout 2017, with water levels at the country’s main hydro-electric plant falling to critical levels, resulting in major blackouts across the country. For people connected to the electricity grid, this means they are being forced to look for alternative power solutions […]

Brave – Solar vs kerosene lamps

  Why do we sell solar lights? What difference do they make and how much do they cost? And why are kerosene lanterns so bad anyway? Find out all the above in our film featuring SunnyMoney hero, Brave Mhonie. Part 2 of 3.

A letter from Alex in Zambia

  Hello, I’m Alex from SunnyMoney Zambia. I moved from the UK to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, in 2012 and I fell in love with the country and its people. Five years later, I’m still here and celebrating the first birthday of my daughter, Violet. If you’re reading this letter, chances are you have the light […]

Brave – Living without light

  Want to know what life in rural Malawi is like without electricity? Brave Mhonie tells us how burning a branch in your home for light is often the only solution and why solar lights in the home are changing lives. Part 1 of 3.

Sunshine is free! SolarAid 2 min video

Our ‘SolarAid in two minutes’ film was first shown on the big screen at a music festival in July 2011. We wanted to show that by using sunshine for energy, rural communities are empowering themselves. What’s more, they are happy about it. With solar energy they can build their communities, provide opportunities in schools, health […]

News from SolarAid’s CEO

SolarAid’s CEO, John Keane, shares his thoughts after a month in the role. It’s good to be back. I’ve been getting all the usual ‘déjà vu’ experiences that you might expect someone to have when returning somewhere after a year or two away. I expect that feeling to continue for a little while yet. It’s […]