The First and Most Crucial Step on the Energy Ladder
A clean, affordable and better source of lighting is the first and most crucial step on the energy ladder. The fact that today over 3000 people in rural Eastern Province of Zambia are using clean solar lights is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Kukula Solar teams. We are proud of the amazing benefits to families, schools and communities that we have witnessed as a result of our work.
The Dangers of Kerosene Lamps
Kerosene lamps release black carbon into the environment, polluting the air, particularly inside homes, which often results in long-term, serious health problems such as lung and eye diseases. Kerosene lamps also produce an alarming rate of immediate hazards including do-burns and fatal fires from their dangerous open flames.
At Risk
In Zambia alone, the International Energy Agency estimates that 11.1 million people, or 65% of the population, lives off the electrical grid. Electricity is only available in the cities and main towns. This forces families living off-grid to spend an average of ZMW50 per month for kerosene and candles to produce dim lighting, which is not even adequate for work or study. The cost of kerosene accounts for up to 25% of a family monthly income. This money could be better used to improve household nutrition and health, pay school fees or fund new business opportunities.
Across the African continent, it is further estimated that over 600 million people do not have access to electricity. With a total population of nearly one billion, it is reported that there are likely 100 to 200 million kerosene lamps damaging the health, polluting the air, and wasting the precious money of families in rural African off-grid communities.
Kukula Solar Accelerating Rural Communities Access To Clean Off Grid Energy
Based in Chipata, Eastern Province of Zambia, Kukula Solar is an award winning social venture that believes in business-based solutions to poverty and global warming.
Kukula Solar began selling the solar lights in 2016, testing and selecting the best solar lights and products from quality manufacturers.
We are product neutral which means we only sell lights that meet customers needs. All of our lights exceed the Lighting Africa World Standards and come with a warranty. Our customers place high value on our Kukula Solar service guarantee of high-quality products with the best possible prices.
The Benefits of Replacing Kerosene Lamps with Solar Lights
Transforming Lives While Reducing Impact on the Planet
Replacing kerosene lamps with solar lights not only mitigates global warming and it also offers comfort to anxious mothers. Also do not have any worries with the risk of the kerosene to spill and burn the house, because solar is easy to use and the children can put it on without me around, reported a mother in Chamoto Village.
With research from the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA), the following figures highlight the benefits of replacing kerosene lamps with solar lights:
The benefits of one solar light include:
- Improving the lives of around 6 people
- Saving a family ZMW 2,000 (~$200)
- Enabling an extra 1200 hours of study
- Averting half a tonne of CO2
Furthermore, this research concludes the following, based on the lifetime of a solar light:
- 10 million people currently have access to a solar light
- 9 million of whom live below the World Bank $1.25 p/d poverty line
- Families will save $309.19 million
- 2 billion extra study hours will be created
- 900,000 tonnes of CO2 averted
- 6 million people experiencing better health from reduced indoor air pollution
- 1 million kerosene lamps packed away