- Just under half (48%)* of Brits believe solar energy is the most cost-effective form of powering light as,
- Over a third (37%) look to buy more solar powered products
- Yet, despite householders taking sustainable steps with their own energy supply, almost all Brits (82%) are unaware that 771 million people worldwide live without electricity
- The charity SolarAid calls for urgent action to help solve the global electricity crisis with the use of solar power
New research reveals Brits are turning to solar power for affordable and sustainable energy, as almost a third (32%) are using more renewable energy sources in their homes than they were 12 months ago, and over a third (37%) are set to buy more solar power products.
The findings, which were conducted by UK-based international charity, SolarAid, found that over half (55%) of those polled own solar technology, with nearly a quarter (22%) planning to install solar panels in their home.
Yet, despite householders taking sustainable steps with their energy supply, the majority are in the dark over the global electricity crisis, as two in five (42%) mistakenly believe everyone has access to safe and affordable electricity and over four in five (82%) are unaware that 771 million people worldwide have no access to electricity.
However, the research found that just under two thirds (63%) agree solar energy is the solution to providing everyone worldwide with safe and affordable electricity.
John Keane, CEO of SolarAid, said: “Our research shows that demand for sustainable light in the UK is on the rise, as people seek affordable electricity they can rely on. Almost a third of people are using more renewable energy sources than they were last year, but action needs to happen now to ensure everyone worldwide has access to the benefits of solar power.
“Alarmingly, very few are aware that for millions of families across the globe, safe and affordable electricity is inaccessible. For the first time in eight years**, the number of people living without access to electricity has gone up, causing countless accidents across the African continent. We’re urging the public to consider how the issue is affecting those overseas, and help us raise awareness of the dire consequences of energy poverty and the simple solution that is solar power.
“Just one solar light has enough energy to power light for a family of five. Together, we can offer a safe solution to millions of homes, which would otherwise be kept in the dark.”
SolarAid is working with entrepreneurs, schools and health clinics to distribute solar lights to families living without electricity in Zambia in Malawi.
Just one solar light will:
- Give light to five people
- Saves families £159 they would have otherwise spent on dangerous and toxic light sources
- Give a child 1,006 hours of extra study time
- Decrease CO2 emissions by 1 tonnes
SolarAid has launched a new campaign called Darkness is Deadly, with a new film to showcase the dire consequences of living in the dark.
For more information and ways to support, please visit: https://solar-aid.org/darknessisdeadly/
ENDS
_______
Press contacts
Jennifer Ames [email protected] 020 4524 5828
Polly Parkin [email protected] 020 4524 5838
Notes to editors
* SolarAid surveyed 2,021 UK nationally representative respondents between 24.09.2021 – 27.09.2021
Darkness is Deadly campaign video
Case studies
Interviews available with UK supporters.
Stories of families affected by the lack of electricity in Africa available here.
About SolarAid
Established in 2006, SolarAid is a UK based, international charity that combats poverty and climate change. Through its social enterprise, SunnyMoney, they work with entrepreneurs, schools, health clinics and local communities to get solar lights out to people living without access to electricity, where they are needed most. SolarAid is committed to ending the darkness across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030