Solar radiation is the lifeblood of the earth. Every day, the sun emits enough energy to sustain billions of plants and animals. Everything from the tiniest skin cell to the tallest mountain is dependent on its daily rise and fall, and the same sun rises in New York City as sets in New Delhi. And every hour that sun provides enough energy to power every city, village and home on the planet.

Because the sun is always shining somewhere, and because it knows no prejudice or hierarchy, solar power is as useful in the wealthy and insulated First World as in the stark and shortchanged Third World. In fact, many developing countries, especially those in Africa and Asia, have some of the best solar insulation in the world. In homes and villages far from transmission cables, fresh water and hospitals, the appeal of wireless, renewable energy is all the greater.

Solar power is already having some effect on the developing world. Solar lanterns are being used in India to read and study after dark. Students in Uganda are learning under solar rooftops. And communities in South America are drinking safe, potable water from solar-powered pumps. Much of these initial successes are thanks to individuals and nonprofit groups aiming to spread the solar wealth. Solar Aid and Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) are two organizations leading in that fight.

Products that have been developed for use in the Third World, or would be useful there, include solar flashlights, lanterns, water pumps, panels, refrigerators and solar ovens.

What Can Solar Do for the Developing World?

Students of American history are no doubt aware that our own development into an industrial society was in many ways not our finest moment. Smokestacks and waste pipes liberally dumped toxins into our air, land and water. Battles were fought over picket lines. And more recently, we’ve seen assembly lines turn into bread lines as jobs are outsourced. We still struggle with century-old climate issues today, with an ever-growing sense of urgency.

Still, we are a bastion of the “developed” world. Our infrastructure is in place. However imperfect we may be, the Western world in general is considerably well off.

The developing world is not there yet. Significant regions of these countries, even fast-developing nations like India and China, are far from the electric grid; far from sewers and plumbing; far from paved roads and pediatricians. Renewable energy, not least of all home solar power, offers a chance to develop a thriving economy and society without polluting rivers or exploiting the poor.

In America, we are scrambling to develop solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable power sources in an effort to curb the side effects of our own unchecked growth using fossil fuels. Given the tools and understanding, the developing world can learn from our mistakes and successes. War and genocide are being waged in many developing countries over ridiculous grudges and precious resources. All while a free and inexhaustible resource rises every morning over battlefields and refugee camps.

Solar power can and does save lives. Human compassion, individuals willing to sacrifice a little of their hard-earned pay and the organizations willing to put that money to good use, have already put the wheels of change in motion. A solar lantern rather than a kerosene lantern saves lives. A solar-powered school, with reliable lighting and fresh water, not only saves lives – it betters them. No matter which “World” you live in, climate change and poverty are two of the most pressing issues affecting your community…and solar power is combating both.

Photo Credits: GreenPeace

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Posted on November 3rd in Solar Politics by Dan.