There’s a charity out there bringing solar electricity to countries in need. That organization is the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) and they’re making waves the world over. Let’s talk about what they do and how they do it.

SELF is dedicated to creating a long-lasting and renewable life for the third world through agricultural innovation and modernization. They provide solar electricity for residential, business, health care and telecommunications use, including solar-powered drip irrigation for rural farmers. They do this by creating lasting relationships between both “for-profit” and nonprofit groups, as well as local governments. SELF focuses mainly on the solar aspect of things and has been at it for 18 years with a proven track record. SELF also helps by being the advocate for those who are underprivileged and uneducated. They train locals residents to become solar installers.

Local residents unloading their new power plant: solar panels.

“SELF believes that energy is a human right. To meet global challenges, such as food and water scarcity, climate change and poverty, SELF is working to assign greater priority to theimportance of sustainable energy among international development banks, aid agencies, foundations, and philanthropic individuals, who are committed to improving the health, education, and economic prospects of the world’s poorest citizens.”  This quote comes from SELF’s mission page and really, who can argue with it? This is the wonderful thing about solar energy – it could actually help reduce the amount of globally crippling energy barons that we are all so familiar with (and if we’re not, our wallets are).

SELF has worked in the US, Asia, Africa and Latin America, handling complex and multi-disciplinary projects for residents of those countries.  For a list of SELF’s projects, check out their comprehensive list here.

SELF’s analysis shows that one solar system provides a 20-year fixed electricity cost. Plus, they couple that with the latest developments, such as LED lighting and other energy efficient designs.  SELF continues assistance and capacity-building for about two years after an initial installation to ensure that the system works like it should.  And the systems are designed as simply as possible to provide ease of maintenance.

Access to energy is as important as you reading this right now. We forget that there really are people who do business by candlelight once the sun goes down.

SELF’s project model is based on three key concepts: SELF Help, SELF Reliance and SELF Determination ( i.e.  get them on their feet so they can keep themselves there). SELF ensures that funds are collected to upkeep and expand that village’s solar system, not unlike a local power company. Plus, SELF partners with local governments so the prosperity is widespread and overseen by a local leader.

The Oprah Winfrey Foundation is in on this charity to help third-world residents get access to clean and renewable energy, something that SELF feels is an inalienable human right. And something I’m inclined to agree with. There are more than a few other recognizable names attached to this project: the Nelson Mandela Institute, Jane Goodall Institute, Stanford University and the Institute for Food Security and the Environment.

SELF is a four star-rated charity by Charity Navigator.  I must say, it’s good to see this type of vision in action.  It may prove to be the great equalizer in the furthering of the human race equally.

To view a list of awards that SELF has received for its work, check out that segment of their website viewable here.  Or visit the main site here to see for yourself, get involved or donate.

Solar Electric Light Fund
1612 K Street, NW
Suite 402
Washington, DC 20006
tel: (202) 234-7265
EIN: 52-1701564

email: info@self.org

Executive Director Robert Freling earns $125,000 each year out of a revenue of $1,562, 542.  Not terribly ostentatious, considering the scope of his job.  The charity runs about $12,000 in the red each year, says the Charity Navigator page. Also, SELF is the highest rated charity of its kind at 65.63 out of 100.

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Posted on October 26th in Solar Funding by Craig.