We believe that universal access to renewable energy is the best way to alleviate poverty. And the best way to ensure universal access is through a unique mix of business and innovation.

So in 2006 we set-up a social enterprise,SunnyMoney, who are now the leading seller of solar lights in Africa. SunnyMoney are selling lights fast, they are helping build sustainable markets, they are creating jobs and they are ensuring money stays in the local economy. To put it simply, they are the reason why we have created a brave and ambitious goal; to eradicate the kerosene lamp from Africa by 2020.

But that’s only part of the picture. We’re also helping to create innovative solutions such as pay-as-you-go solar, we’re undertaking large-scale research projects and sharing our knowledge and expertise with partners and like-minded organisations. We know we can’t eradicate the kerosene lamp on our own; so we’re building an alliance, we’re creating a movement.

SunnyMoney

Solar lights are the solution. But what’s the point in having a solution if you can’t get it to the people?

The SunnyMoney Way

SunnyMoney’s unique community distribution model uses teachers to raise trust and build awareness of solar. Each light shining in the night attracts neighbours and as word spreads the demand for solar lights grows.
This sparks the market conditions required for local shops and independent agents to be able to sell a range of solar lights profitably within their community so that solar lights become available for people to purchase all year round.SunnyMoney supports these local entrepreneurs by providing marketing campaigns, training and shipping of products.
SunnyMoney continues to find ways to drivedemand by creating brand awareness, community engagement and media attention. They run promotions and find ways to market new products cost effectively in order to make solar more affordable and meet customers’ increasing demand for bigger and better products, so the market continues to thrive.

SolarAid services

Building the Alliance