Fighting Energy Poverty Through Solar Solutions
What is Energy Poverty?
Energy poverty affects around 1 billion people worldwide—families without lights, clinics without power for vaccines, schools where learning ends at sunset. But energy poverty isn’t inevitable.
Since 1990, SELF has pioneered solar solutions that fight both energy poverty and climate change. Our Whole Village Development Model brings electricity to entire communities—schools, clinics, water systems, streetlights, and businesses.
Access to Energy...
Feeds Families
Expands Education
Saves Lives
Our Mission
The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) uses the power of the sun to fight poverty and climate change.
Energy access is at the root of some of our greatest global inequities—from education to food security to healthcare. SELF works with communities around the world to establish solar energy projects, with a focus on environmental justice, community ownership, and scalable outcomes.
Powering Justice in Uganda
The Latest
News & Updates
The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) Welcomes Dr. Daniel Kammen to Board of Directors
The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Daniel Kammen to its Board of...
Renewable Energy in Benin – SELF Featured in The Borgen Project
By Quinlan Bohannon Benin, a small West African country, is making significant strides towards a sustainable,...
Celebrating 35 Years of Solar Energy Access
This month, the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) turns 35 years old. Since 1990, SELF has worked to deliver...
powerful impact
Energy Poverty by the Numbers
It’s about more than turning on the lights. The impacts of energy poverty span nearly every aspect of life. By expanding access to electricity, we build capacity to solve of the world’s greatest inequities.
%
Lack access to basic electricity
%
rely on dangerous cooking systems
%
don’t have internet access
%
of the global population receives only 15% of clean energy investment
How You Can Help
Get Involved
Donate to SELF
Partner with SELF
SELF welcomes partnerships with businesses, organizations, and foundations looking to make a difference.
Frequently asked questions
Have More Questions?
Where does SELF work?
We’ve completed projects in 25+ countries, including Uganda, Haiti, Benin, Rwanda, Colombia, Nepal, Tanzania, and the Navajo Nation.
How long has SELF been working on solar energy access?
SELF was founded in 1990, making us one of the pioneering organizations in off-grid solar development. For 35 years, we’ve been refining our approach to rural electrification.
How is SELF different from other solar nonprofits?
Our Whole Village Development Model addresses multiple community needs simultaneously—health, education, water, agriculture, and enterprise.
How can I support SELF's work?
Donate online, explore partnership opportunities, or read more about our work.