This month, the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) turns 35 years old. 

Since 1990, SELF has worked to deliver solar energy solutions to communities that need them most. What began as a bold belief—that everyone, everywhere should have access to electricity—has grown into a movement spanning 25 countries and millions of people whose lives have been touched. 

We’ve proven time and again that energy is not just a necessity but also a catalyst. Energy is the foundation for health, equality, and economic opportunity. And clean energy can help us build this foundation, without harming the environment.   

SELF’s 35th anniversary is a moment to celebrate this journey and to renew our commitment to a thriving world, for both people and planet.  

35 Years of Clean Energy Solutions 

Over the past three and a half decades, SELF has been a leader in the movement for universal energy access. 

• Using Microcredit to Finance Solar Home Systems: In the early 90s, SELF proved that millions of families in off-grid villages around the world could afford to pay for household lighting solutions over time, provided accessible financing. 
• Pioneering Solar Innovation: We’ve led the way in demonstrating how solar can go beyond simple household lighting to power up community water pumps, sustainable food systems, and advanced healthcare technology in even the most remote settings.  
• Community-Driven Development: We work hand-in-hand with off-grid communities to identify priorities and design solutions, training village technicians and ensuring that systems are locally owned, operated, and maintained for years to come. 
• Climate and Poverty Solutions: SELF’s work has shown that protecting the planet and supporting its people are not mutually exclusive goals but rather mutually reinforcing. Solar energy can help unlock resilient, thriving communities. 

Watch Our 35th Anniversary Video 

To mark this milestone, we’ve prepared a special video that traces SELF’s journey. From installing small solar home systems to larger community-scale projects, our work has evolved, but our core mission has remained. Discover how SELF has expanded access to clean energy and see the lives changed along the way.  

Watch the video:

Stories from the Field 

This October, we’re highlighting three powerful stories from the past 35 years. 

• Solomon Islands: When the sun went down, so did daily life—until SELF helped develop the first solar-powered village in the Solomon Islands, known as Sukiki. Households gained access to electricity for the very first time, allowing access to lighting and radios. Sukiki went on to become a model for solar electrification across the Pacific.  
• Tanzania: SELF worked with the Jane Goodall Institute to bring solar power to the Gombe Stream Research Centre, supporting chimpanzee conservation and enabling lighting, refrigeration, water pumping, and communications for researchers. This project inspired additional solar installations in surrounding villages, improving education, health, and livelihoods. 
• Rwanda: SELF electrified five rural health facilities run by Partners In Health. These facilities were instrumental in fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic and improving maternal and child healthcare. SELF’s solar-electric systems powered everything from lights to lab equipment to satellite dishes.  

Subscribe to SELF’s newsletter to receive these stories in your inbox. And test your knowledge with SELF’s 35th anniversary quiz.

The Work Ahead 

Nearly one billion people worldwide still live without electricity. The fight for universal energy access is far from over—but after 35 years of on-the-ground experience, we know what works. 

In the years ahead, SELF will continue to deploy and scale solar-powered solutions where they’re needed most. We will keep championing sustainable, community-led energy solutions and working toward a world where everyone has the power they need to thrive. 

Join the Celebration 

This October, we invite you to celebrate with us: 

• Subscribe to our newsletter to receive inspiring solar stories right to your inbox.  
• Follow SELF on Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and share the news with your friends and networks. 
• Support the next chapter by making a gift to expand access to solar energy. When you give $100 or more before November 4, you’ll receive a limited-edition 35th anniversary t-shirt.

Thank you for standing with SELF in our fight for climate action and energy justice. Together, we can bring power to the people, and forge a sustainable, equitable future for all.