• SolarAid addresses climate change and poverty through the simple expedient of providing a cheap source of solar powered electricity.

• At the micro level, SolarAid enables local ‘solar entrepreneurs’ to earn a living by selling small solar photovoltaic (PV) units. These are made into solar powered lanterns and chargers for rechargeable batteries to power radios and phones.

• This results in access to cheap, renewable power and a reduction in the use of kerosene. This reduces costs, and makes an indirect contribution to literacy and income generating activities.

• Kerosene is very carbon intensive. Reducing kerosens use will impact health and the environment, affecting climate change locally, nationally and globally.

• At the macro level, SolarAid contracts local solar companies to install solar power to rural schools, community buildings and clinics, to specified quality standards.

• Local solar micro-enterprise activities will promote community development.

• As the price of solar PV components has finally fallen to economic levels, this newly established charity is now planning to grow rapidly to maximise its impact.

• A solar lantern can impact a family’s income by 10-15% through kerosene reduction. The planned 65 school building instalations will impact 26,000 students.