The Solar Powered Business In A Bag

Studying for a test in school the next day, a student sits at her desk going through her book. The sun is going down and it starts to get dark in the room so she reaches over and switches on a lamp. For the 90% of the population in Uganda without electricity, that simple task is not an option. Without light, all productive activity stops when the sun goes down; this includes any income-generating activities as well as schoolwork. Many households without electricity use kerosene lamps for light, but these lamps release toxic fumes that are unhealthy for both people and the environment. Every year, kerosene lamps release 190 million tonnes of CO2, the equivalent amount released by 30 million cars. Furthermore, this problem disproportionately affects women and children who make up 70% of the energy poor. Solar Sister is an organization that saw this problem as an opportunity to provide solar power by empowering women entrepreneurs.

Solar Sister uses direct sales, in an Avon-style model, to give women the opportunity to start their own businesses selling solar lights. Through this model, women are provided with a “business in a bag,” which includes inventory, training materials, and marketing support to start their businesses. The direct sales approach allows Solar Sister to capitalize on natural networks of families and friends to sell more lights and reach more people with clean energy. Solar Sister estimates that household income is doubled when women begin selling their solar lights. In addition, consumers receive 3 more hours of light each day compared to kerosene lamps.

Currently, Solar Sister is distributing solar lighting in 3 countries, providing opportunities for 850 entrepreneurs, and benefiting 170,000 people. Yet this is just the beginning! In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, there are 590 million people without access to grid electricity. In addition, Solar Sister partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to conserve wildlife and with the Green Belt Movement in their efforts to unlock women’s potential as “green agents of change.” Through their solar powered program, Solar Sister is providing truly sustainable development that is good for both people and the environment.

Looking to discover more impact ventures? Join us at www.groundupproject.net