“Why light? Because light powers our lives. The gift of a portable solar light to a family living in poverty and darkness means a brighter tomorrow.”
Sarah Baird
Founder
685 million people still lack access to electricity!
Check out how solar brightens an entire household – like that of Maria, shown here with her daughter and parents in Uganda.
Safer Caretaking
During the night, Maria takes care of her daughter Irene, (5) who suffers from seizures.
Improved Health
Their home is safer, the air is clean, and Maria can better afford Irene’s medicine.
Economic Stability
Families save on lighting and redirect the savings to cover other basic needs.
Why Solar Lights?
Energy Poverty
100% of communities we serve live in energy poverty.
Burn Injuries
14% of households report that a child has been burned by kerosene or candles.
Health Issues
89% of people living in energy poverty report experiencing health issues from kerosene.
Access to Care
Clinics see a 200% increase in attended births at solar-electrified clinics.
House Fires
99% of off-grid households worry about fire when using kerosene lamps.
Economic Shifts
100% of money saved on lighting is used on basic needs like food, medicine, and school.
In the rural areas we serve in Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, and Rwanda, electrification rates range from just 5% to 35%. Without access to electricity, families rely on kerosene lamps, candles, or disposable flashlights for light. These lighting sources are dangerous and expensive—and they come at a high cost to both people and the planet.
Kerosene is a leading cause of house fires, burns, respiratory infections, and poisonings. Its particulate emissions (PM2.5) contribute to global climate change. With rising kerosene costs, some off-grid families now rely on disposable flashlights powered by disposable batteries that last only a week or two. Without garbage collection or recycling systems, these items end up in open burn pits or latrines, polluting the air and water.
Changing Lives 1:00
Solar lights replace dangerous and polluting kerosene, enabling off-grid families to live healthier, safer lives.
Meet Tereza 1:00
Solar lights replace dangerous and polluting kerosene, enabling off-grid families to live healthier, safer lives.
Solar Health Care 1:20
Hear from nurse Grace in Uganda as she explains how Solar has improved healthcare access and delivery in her rural clinic.
Our Programs are…
Fighting Climate Change for Health and Planet
Kerosene lamps are highly polluting and emit dangerous airborne soot, known as black carbon, which is extremely harmful to household health.
Protecting our shared ecosystem
Together, we have the power to positively impact our environment. Solar reduces harmful emissions and makes the world cleaner for us all.
Enabling Education
Children often are limited to learning during sunlight hours and can only study at home when there’s adequate light. Solar changes the equation, allowing for students to continue learning after sundown.
Visit our Programs pages to learn more.
Help us keep the light shining.
Your donation provides light to communities in need and furthers the global Sustainable Development Goals.