The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid, January, 2002

"Investment at the 'bottom of the pyramid' means lifting billions of people out of poverty and desperation, averting the social decay, political chaos, terrorism, and environmental meltdown that is certain to continue if the gap between rich and poor countries continues to widen."

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Solar Power Is Reaching Where Wires Can't, September 9, 2001

Solar power is opening doors to the Internet for many people with no access to traditional energy sources.

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The Great Disruption, 2001

Disruptive technologies create new economic growth by offering products and services that are cheaper, better, and more convenient. Understanding how these technologies work will allow policymakers to not only invigorate stagnant economies, but also head off potential dangers in strong economies. 

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Renewable and Conventional Energy, 2000

"The need is dire. . .among the Third World's estimated two billion people who live on less than $1 a day and the three billion living without electricity."

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Solar Schools Brighter Future:, 2000

Samantha Dlomo, an 11th grader at Myeka High School in Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa, won a global contest when she wrote about the affects of solar electricity that SELF provided to her high school. 

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Solar Power for the Roof of the World, 1999

"A remote Nepalese village at the foot of the Himalayas is the scene of a remarkable pilot project in decentralized power.  By the light of a low-energy bulb, women can weave handbags, children learn for school--and soccer fans cheer their favorite team on TV." 

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Solar Succeeds In Nepal, 1999

In the Nepalese mountain village of Pulimarang, families have little surplus and cash income is modest.  The introduction of solar energy by SELF provided families with additional income and incentive to avoid urban migration. 

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From the Swiss Alps to the Solomons, 1999

How did SELF begin a project in the remote village of Sukiki in the Solomon Islands?  Well, it's a funny story beginning with an American, Neville Williams, mountain climbing in the Swiss Alps.... 

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How Not to Develop an Emerging Nation, 1998

 "The world is relying on technology to bring economic development to emerging nations. It's the right idea, but for the past two decades we've been relying on the wrong technologies."  SELF is supplying the "right" technologies.  

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The Technology Of Hope, 1998

"The idea that today's emerging economies must pass through a phase of mass industrialization as Western nations did is an antiquated premise." Read follow up to How Not To Develop a Nation.

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Electrification and Global Sustainability, 1998

"Ensuring global sustainability in the coming century will involve striking a balance between economic, environmental, and quality of life considerations--a challenge made more difficult by population growth and the potential for global climate change.  

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Selling Solar: Financing Household Solar Energy in the Developing World, 1997

This article discusses creating market infrastructure, developing purchaser credit, and building working capital for solar energy projects in the developing world.  

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Shining Examples, 1997

"...the Ramji family of Andhra Pradesh, India dad a problem that is all too common in the developing world--they lacked reliable electricity to light their home."  Read how SELF helped the Ramjis to finance a solar home system. 

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A Zulu Village Looks to the Sun, 1996

Maphephethe means "land where the sun rises" --an appropriate name for the first village in South Africa to launch a solar-electrification project.  An interview with the region's Inkosi (Chief) provides a personal perspective as to how electricity is changing the lives of his people.

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An Affordable Formula for Financing Solar Electrification, 1996

Involved in the solar industry since 1973, Will Cawood discusses the financing model used by SELF for rural electrification.  

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Bringing Power to the People, 1995

This extensive article relates SELF's beginnings and early projects.  The photos are gorgeous and worth the download time! 

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