The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)’s mission is to design and implement solar energy solutions to assist the 1.5 billion people living in energy poverty with their economic, educational, health care and agricultural development.

Since 1990, SELF has completed projects in more than 20 countries and pioneered unique applications of solar power such as for:

• drip irrigation in Benin,
• health care in Haiti,
• telemedicine in the Amazon rainforest,
• online learning in South Africa, and
• micro enterprise development in Nigeria.

SELF runs several projects in developing countries around the world, using solar energy to benefit communities living in energy poverty.

Its Whole Village Development Model takes an integrated approach to community empowerment using a mix of solar energy solutions to improve the lives of people who don’t have access to electricity. By working closely with communities and adhering to SELF’s operating principles of SELF Determination,SELF Help and SELF Reliance, the Fund seek to provide benefits in:

Education: powering lights, computers and wireless internet services.
Health: powering facility lights, labs, diagnostic equipment and vaccine refrigerators.
Water & Agriculture: powering water wells and pumps for clean drinking water and year-round crop irrigation.
Enterprise: powering centers for small businesses and providing electricity for machinery and equipment.
Community: electrifying homes, community centers and street lighting.