Today, as the world celebrates the International Day of Light, we are reminded of light’s vital role in every part of life — and we shine a spotlight on the powerful change that solar lighting has brought to some of the most underresourced communities. Through our Climate Fund, we’ve helped illuminate homes, clinics, and schools.
The challenges of access
Yet for many of us, the gift of light is so ever-present that it becomes invisible. We flick a switch and rooms brighten — all without a second thought. But for millions of people, light is not a given. When the sun sets — as it does very early near the equator — their world fades into darkness, bringing with it barriers to safety, healthcare, education, and income generation. In many off-grid or poorly connected areas, the only available and affordable options for lighting — such as kerosene lamps — pose serious health and environmental risks. In recent years, we’ve supported several initiatives that provided access to solar lamps and helped build distribution and repair networks to keep them in use.
A question we often hear is why solar lighting should be funded. The truth is that light supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals. For many last-mile, underresourced communities, solar lighting is their first experience of renewable energy — and a first step out of extreme poverty. While broader energy solutions like mini-grids or national grids are ideal, affordable solar lights remain life-changing. Even when larger systems eventually arrive — which may take years or even decades — solar lamps still offer unmatched benefits in reliability, portability, and cost.
You might wonder why these communities don’t just buy solar lamps themselves. For those of us with secure incomes, they seem very affordable. But for historically marginalised and remote communities, the upfront costs and lack of distribution networks make them inaccessible.
For-profit businesses rarely operate in these regions, as it’s simply not profitable without major investment. And if people can access lamps, they often purchase the cheapest models, which break easily and aren’t supported by repair or recycling systems. Nonprofit-supported efforts help ensure quality products, long-term maintenance, and responsible recycling — avoiding the growing problem of e-waste and the environmental harm caused by low-quality products.
Real stories, real impact
Madagascar
In Madagascar, we’ve supported GRET in establishing an Energy House that rents out solar lamps, making them affordable and accessible for local families.
“Before, we used kerosene lamps for lighting. The smoke from combustion caused respiratory illnesses. Since switching to solar lamps, we no longer get sick. Another advantage is that our children can study in the evening,” says Joseph, a resident of Antavokely village. Koto, another local resident, has also seen the benefits: “My expenses have decreased thanks to the Energy House. Before, we spent 800 ariary per day — about €0.16 — on candles. Now, we only pay 200 ariary (€0.04) to recharge our lamps.”
Pakistan
In Balochistan, Pakistan, our partner HARD (Health And Rural Development) has provided 223 solar home kits, including lights, with our support. These have significantly reduced dependence on kerosene for homes, schools, and clinics. Beyond safety, solar lighting has opened doors to income generation and education. Women now do embroidery and other work after dark, increasing their independence. Communities can gather for cultural and religious events in the evening.
“It’s hard to believe that what was once surrounded in darkness is now illuminated by light,” says Sara, a villager. “Before the project, evenings were spent in tents, avoiding the dark. The fumes [from kerosene] blinded us.” Now, she says, her village glows at night, bringing safety and a sense of togetherness.
From small grants to larger, multi-year initiatives
Most of the initiatives we support are community-level projects. But we also fund larger efforts. In Malawi, we’ve partnered with SolarAid through a €1.4 million multiyear grant to build a nationwide network of energy businesses. Their goal is to reach 2 million people in rural areas with clean, affordable solar lighting over the next four years.
And these are just a few of the many projects we’ve funded — where solar lighting is often the central or supporting component of broader development goals.
Get Involved
Would you like to support access to solar lighting through your energy choices? Switch to EKOenergy-labelled electricity by contacting your energy reseller. EKOenergy’s Climate Fund is supported by a minimum contribution of €0.10 per MWh from all EKOenergy users. It aims to extend the renewable energy transition by supporting local renewable energy initiatives that deliver strong social benefits.
We also welcome additional contributions to the Climate Fund from corporate consumers. Larger contributions give you the opportunity to participate in selecting the projects and regions your support will reach. Contact laura.blomberg
sll.fi for more information.
Published: 16 May 2025
