Once in a while a company stands out for its unswerving desire to deliver on its social and entrepreneurial goals. Barefoot Power, which supplies solar lighting and energy systems to rural communities in emerging and developing countries, has made significant progress over the past 6 years. It has now delivered safe and affordable solar lighting solutions to over 1 million people as an alternative to damaging kerosene that is the traditional alternative.
The purchase of an LED light is a one-time fixed cost for villagers and contributes to significant savings, compared to that of kerosene lighting. LED lamps powered by solar panels generate lighting that is cleaner, safer and contributes to a healthier environment in the home.
Key markets include Uganda, Kenya, India and Indonesia. These countries currently have a combined spend of US$2.5bn on kerosene used by 500m people. Some families can spend $1 per week on kerosene. A solar light can provide pay back in a matter of months and last for several years.
Barefoot Power have not only secured a solid distribution model through on the ground social entrepreneurs but have also made sure that their products are best of class and fit for purpose.
So much so that they have already received several awards including The Lumina Project and the Lighting Africa Program.
Its products won first place in the categories of top performance, room lighting and best value for products that cost under $40, and came in second in the category of task lighting. Such accolades reflect its achievements in developing safe and cost-effective off-grid lighting technology to communities in need.
Barefoot Power continues to secure significant investment and interest from companies and businesses from around the globe. Okiocredit, the leading microfinance organisation, has become an investor and partner in Barefoot Power.
There are many examples of how Barefoot Power is bringing solar powered lighting solutions to villages across Africa. In Musubiro, Uganda, lighting from Barefoot Power Uganda is helping extend the day both for education and commerce.
Barefoot Power currently has 160 Solar Entrepreneurs operating all over Uganda, and an extensive distribution network which makes its products available to customers across Kenya, Tanzania, India, and several other parts of the world.
Barefoot Power is also working to establish its position as a business and financial partner in the field of microfinance. It trains entrepreneurs to develop and expand the scope of its brand, and educates supply chain partners to help develop the micro-energy markets in various countries.
The company is also now extending its reach to over 40 countries worldwide including Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Indeed to quality, performance and robustness of its products means they are finding uses in more traditional lighting arenas including normal household and outdoors leisure use. +Phil Dunseath
