Solar lights improving living conditions
For residents, the solar lights have been life changing.
Typically customers earn less than $2 a day and before having access to solar lights would spend several dollars each week on kerosene.
Ms Seller says residents get trapped in a cycle of spending, “which means they can’t save money to improve their living conditions”.
The company’s solar lights are worth about one month’s wages. However, customers can buy them on a five-week payment plan.
With zero running costs, the company says customers are saving an average of $86 a year on kerosene.
Pollinate Energy bosses say the benefits have been much greater.
“The solar lights reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses and burns,” Ms Colenbrander said.
“Children can study by the light at night, and one of the main benefits has been improved quality of life, little things like being able to see children play at night and socialise in the community.”
