Some 590 million Africans live off the electric grid, instead using dangerous and polluting kerosene lamps. With the ambitious goal of eliminating the kerosene lamp from Africa by 2020, Solar Aid, winner of the Ashden International Gold Award, works with headteachers in rural areas to promote good quality, affordable solar lights to families. With over 400,000 lamps sold since 2010, the organisation is now the largest distributer of solar lights in Africa. Solar Aid
Lights are sourced from global suppliers, and are sold with warranties for between US$7 and US$40, depending on size and features. By end March 2013, 408,000 lights had been sold, with 57% in Tanzania (where the campaign started first in late 2010), 27% in Kenya, and 16% in Malawi and Zambia. With around 390,000 lights in use, 2 million household members benefit from better quality light without kerosene fumes. Replacement of kerosene lamps is saving about 15 million litres/year of kerosene, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 36,000 tonnes/year CO2e.
SolarAid research showed the main use was for study, also cooking and general household lighting. Kerosene saving of about US$1 per week means that cost is recovered quickly. Competitive procurement process is under way, using field experience to specify requirements for the next generation of SunnyMoney lights. SunnyMoney is launching operations in two new countries in 2013, and aims to be active in 24 countries by 2020, with schools campaigns followed by direct sales and then local distributors.
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