Supporting a Madagascar
where communities thrive and live sustainably.
Do you know?
In rural Madagascar, less than 10% of families have access to light or electricity. That means their only option to light their homes after sunset is to use toxic kerosene or unsafe candles.
Solar United Madagascar is a community-led partnership providing safe, reliable, clean energy to light homes, power education and support livelihoods, introducing energy sources that will not further damage health or fuel climate change.
How do Light Libraries work?
The sun’s power is harnessed through panels installed on the school roof. The sun provides enough energy all year round even in the winter.
Solar energy captured through the panels is stored in a battery which then powers a charge box with power bank sticks.
The system can be upgraded to support more chargers and thus enabling everyone in the community to rent a power bank and a connectable bright lamp.
What impact do Light Libraries have?
Families can rent a clean source of light and power-cheaper than costly candles and safer than kerosene. No more tell-tale ‘kerosene coughs’.
Children have a non-toxic light source to do their homework.
Teachers have more time in the evening to mark schoolwork and prep lessons.
Families can run home-businesses such as shops, basket weaving or cooking.
Community groups can gather safely in the evenings.
A local franchisee runs the Light Library business.
What progress have we made?
Children got access
to a Light Library.
Schools, in 8 Malagasy regions benefitting from Light Libraries.
Solar panels installed
to power these Light Libraries.
Light Libraries are an important starting point. But we don’t stop there.
Solar United Madagascar’s mission to support Madagascar’s most underserved communities. By making the power of renewable energy accessible, we address immediate needs like education, health and livelihoods leaving no one behind and contributing to long term environmental resilience.
We are developing context-specific solutions to help communities climb the energy access ladder
Why Madagascar?
Why Solar United Madagascar?
“The challenge is too complex to solve alone, we need to come together to create long-lasting impact.”
Rik Stamhuis
Director and Co-founder, Jiro-Ve.
“Our ultimate goal is that every Malagasy home, in every community, has access to safe, clean, solar-powered light and electricity.”
John Keane
CEO, Solar Aid
“Only 10.9% of the rural population have access to lighting and electricity. Universal access to electricity and clean energy is a long way off and innovative partnerships like Solar United Madagascar are needed to support clean development in rural Madagascar.”
Lovaniaina Rasoalinoro
CEO &Co-Founder MfM
Who is Solar United Madagascar ?
We are a partnership of The Aeonian Foundation, Feedback Madagascar, Money for Madagascar, SEED Madagascar, Jiro-Ve and SolarAid.
Our journey started with the ground-breaking vision and support from the Aeonian Foundation, which enabled the research and development of the Light Library, Digital Learning and Solar Cooking models through not only catalytic funding but advice and belief in this unique partnership.
This has paid off and Solar United Madagascar has grown its reach whilst we continue testing and learning to improve the operational model and all technical aspects. We also collect data to inform our plans and continue engaging with communities to assess the impact and discuss their needs.
The work is gaining traction and we secured funding from more donors and ran a successful Big Give Green Match Fund campaign in April 2024. This helped raise funding to build an additional 40 Light Libraries and extend the reach in existing communities.
Donate now to help us reach more communities.
Donations are via SolarAid, who process donations for Solar United Madagascar.
Please mention Solar United Madagascar and how you have heard about us when you give.
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