Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)

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Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)

The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) uses the power of the sun to fight poverty and climate change.

Energy access is at the root of some of our biggest global inequities—from education to food security to public health. SELF works with communities around the world to establish solar projects, with a focus on environmental justice, community ownership, and scalable outcomes.

08/25/2026

𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗶 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. ☀️

For centuries, the Maasai people have lived alongside the extraordinary wildlife of Kenya's Maasai Mara, stewarding a landscape shared with elephants, lions, zebras, rhinos, and countless other species.

Today, climate change and resource scarcity are putting increasing pressure on livelihoods and the surrounding ecosystem.

But Maasai leaders have a vision for the future—and it is already underway. Together, SELF and the Maasai are working to implement a first-of-its-kind solar initiative in the northern Maasai Mara.

Already, families have gained access to solar-electric cooking. Solar-powered clean water systems are being installed across several communities. Electrification is planned for two local schools and one health facility.

With access to energy comes improved health, safety, and opportunity for Maasai families. And nature benefits too. Thoughtfully designed, carbon-free systems reduce emissions, improve climate adaptation, and preserve the surrounding landscape.

People and planet can thrive together. This initiative is living proof, but we need your support to keep it moving forward. Help us bring clean energy where it's needed most: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/donatetoself

08/13/2026

At SELF, we work where the grid doesn’t.

Roughly one billion people around the world lack basic access to electricity. Most of these people live in rural areas, far from their nation’s electric grid. But today, the grid isn’t the only option. Solar allows communities to access locally owned, clean energy systems. It’s a win-win for the planet and people.

How we fight energy poverty ➡️ www.self.org

08/07/2026

Electricity allows rural, smallholder farmers to access irrigation, increase productivity, and build resilience.

That means more income for farmers like Madeleine, and more food for her entire community. 🍅

07/28/2026

💡 Energy has a multiplier effect.

When off-grid communities gain access to electricity, local entrepreneurs can access information, reach new customers, and grow their business.

Their success feeds back into the economy, improving goods and services and creating jobs. 📈

Energy is powerful, and solar makes it accessible. Learn more: https://www.self.org/livelihoods/

07/24/2026

Goofing around in the garden. Happy Friday!

📍 Derrassi solar garden, Benin

07/21/2026

Bala from above. 🕊️ The bustling community of Bala, Uganda gets its power from the sun. It’s one of many rural municipalities that are choosing solar over conventional power grids for its affordability, reliability, and sustainability.

Toward brighter tomorrows ☀️

07/16/2026

A new SDG 7 Energy Progress Report highlights where we are—and what's needed next—on the path to global electrification.

Key findings from the report:

💡 92% of the world's population now has access to electricity—but global progress has plateaued.

💡 Three-quarters of the people still living without electricity are concentrated in just 20 countries, 18 of which are in sub-Saharan Africa.

💡 Affordability remains the biggest barrier to electricity access.

💡 International public financing for clean energy in developing countries is vital and must increase to drive meaningful change.

The good news? We have the solutions needed to reach universal energy access. Distributed renewable energy, innovative financing, and community-led partnerships are making reliable electricity possible in historically underserved places.

Energy poverty is one of the world's most solvable development challenges. Together, we can ensure that where you're born doesn't determine whether you have access to the opportunities electricity provides.

07/10/2026

💧 Access to clean water changes everything. In Bukyerimba, Uganda, a new solar-powered water system is helping women and children spend less time collecting water and more time focused on school, work, and family.

Hellena Lunkuse shares how the project is helping her community stay safe and thrive.

Thank you to The Ruth and Hal Launders Charitable Trust for supporting this initiative and the movement to bring clean water to all!

Address

2021 L Street NW Ste 101/344
Washington D.C., DC
20036

Website

https://www.self.org/

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