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Provides superior lighting at least cost
Solar home systems provide the least-cost means of receiving high quality home lighting. While providing brighter lighting, as well as access to radio and television. When low-cost financing is available, monthly payments for a solar home system are often below what a family is currently paying for kerosene, dry-cell batteries, candles, and recharging car batteries.
Extends the productive workday
It is dark by 6:30 year round in the equatorial latitudes. Electric lighting allows families to extend their workday into the evening hours. Many villages where SELF has installed solar lights now boast home craft industries. In Vietnam, SELF installed solar outdoor lights in two village markets, allowing businesses to operate during the evening.
Fosters micro-enterprise development
Solar electricity helps promote local enterprises. Small shops and village markets can use the systems to provide lighting to operate during the evening. Small businesses utilizing electric sewing machines, water pumps, and computers are also benefited by the availability of solar electric systems.
Creates direct employment opportunities
Local businesses selling and servicing solar home systems provide employment for local residents. Dealers, technicians, and local technicians all can be employed selling and servicing solar home systems.
Facilitates development of micro-lending programs
Revolving credit funds, and other financing mechanisms may be utilized for the purpose of purchasing solar home systems. Such credit funds serve as a vehicle for local financial institutions to begin loaning money to rural areas.
Conserves foreign exchange
As much as 90% of the export earnings of some developing countries are used to pay for imported oil, most of it for power generation. Capital saved by not building additional large power plants can be used for investment in health, education, economic development, and industry. Expanding solar rural electrification creates jobs and business opportunities based on an appropriate technology in a decentralized marketplace.
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A study for the U.S. government calculated that the gasoline equivalent of the energy saved over the lifetime of one 24-watt compact fluorescent bulb is sufficient to drive a Prius from New York to San Francisco.
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