Solar Powered Lights in Kenya

Wadango has already distributed around 10,000 solar-powered lanterns. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virgomerry/11227682/sizes/m/">**Mary** (flickr)</a>
Wadango has already distributed around 10,000 solar-powered lanterns. Photo: **Mary** (flickr)

In rural Kenya nearly everyone uses kerosene as their main source of power. For those living on less than $1 a day — as about half the population does — this expense takes away a significant portion of their income. Kerosene costs the average African family almost $100 a year, according to the blog White African. And that's why Evans Wadongo's goal of providing solar-powered lanterns to rural Kenyans is so admirable.

In fact, Evans Wadongo and his work with solar lanterns was featured in a recent "CNN Heroes" video. In the video, Wadongo shows how these simple lanterns can do much good for rural Kenyans.

Families with solar lanterns can now spend the money they used to spend on kerosene on necessities like food and medicine. The lanterns are also much better for studying at night. Kerosene lanterns smother kids in smoke and can be harsh on their eyes because the light they give off is so dim. Solar lanterns provide brighter light without all the pollution — giving both kids and the environment a brighter future.

Thanks to Wadongo and his nonprofit sponsor Sustainable Development for All-Kenya, 10,000 of these lanterns have been distributed to rural Kenyans for free. You can help out by clicking here and donating to Sustainable Development for All-Kenya. A $20 donation provides a solar lantern for a family in need.

Comments

in USA

Solar Powered Lights in Kenya

We are saying ‘look what solar power can do’. It can light your home, it can light your schools and can run vital equipment at your clinics.
Such Solar power lights are so important in our lives..

Thanks & Regards
Jayson Wilson
datarecoverysoftware.com

Solar Lantern Rajasthan

Hey hi,
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in Portland, Oregon

This blog post reminds me of

This blog post reminds me of Green Empowerment, another great NGO here in Portland, Oregon, that is doing great work in various countries across the world. I had the opportunity to listen to a representative from Green Empowerment speak in my sustainability class at Portland State University. Green Empowerment's mission statement explains that they "partner with rural communities in the developing world to implement renewable energy and water systems that alleviate poverty and preserve the environment," http://www.greenempowerment.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl..., this includes solar panels to provide electricity for those who are lacking in something many of us take for granted. I'm excited that a few of my classmates will have the opportunity to work with Green Empowerment this summer through a study abroad program. It's so great that there are organizations and people who are taking simple steps to make big improvements in others' lives.

Solar lights in Kenya

I think it is awesome anytime green technology can be brought to bear for the benefit of under developed countries, like using solar lighting in Kenya and other countries in Africa and the middle east. Nice post!

Steve

Solar lights in Kenya

This looks like a really beneficial way to help the Kenyan people in a very direct way. It will both free up more money for healthcare issues and eliminate at least one healthcare concern by removing the kerosene lamps from rural Kenyan homes. Do you know if Wadongo or anybody working on similar projects will implement solar lights in rural parts of other African nations? Or move into the cities to free up funds there? Projects like this can do so much to help keep people healthier-- I am glad to see things like this going on.

in Nairobi, Kenya

Solar lights in rural Kenya

This is a brilliant idea! I need to contact Wadongo or anyone in this organization. I have several communities in far flung areas of Kenya that are in dire need of assistance. I will be happy to raise the funds necessary.

in New York

Solar Power Lights

Solar panels and wind powered generators are indeed very helpful to us. This is a good solution to the continuous increase of energy price in the market. It give life long benefits and very environmental friendly. I have developed a keen interest in this entire area. I find it very interesting how many people are so passionate about alternative and green energy sources.

I have recently posted my thoughts about this here: solar power lights

Thanks,
Scott

in Nairobi

what if he had sold those

what if he had sold those 10,000 lanterns? you know like $3 a piece, the man could be on fire, am sure the world has a demand for about 2,000,000 more lanterns powered by solar. these things are versatile, they could be used for lighting construction sites, even other urban areas where people could afford to use mains electricity. this guy could have become a billionaire in like the next 10 yrs!

Solar Lights in Kenya

What an absolutely brilliant idea! It is a shame that it wasn't the initiative of the African government. It makes so much sense and solar lights could be an idea that a number of countries could use. Thank you sincerely for sharing this information.

www.premiersolarlights.com

Sunflare solar lantern

Our goal is win-to-win. My company focus on developing and manufacturing solar lantern, solar panel, solar power system etc. Recently, my company, Qingdao Sunflare New Energy CO,. Ltd., China, set a new product line, which can make the product under higher quality production system and let price low to $4.5/unit to achieve the goal to protect the environment and make our win-to-win better.

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Many thanks

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