User:BruceThomson/sandbox

Darren Anderson, SELF project manager, and a group of students from the village of Bessassi in northern Benin celebrate the installation of solar systems that will provide electricity to their school.

The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to design, fund and implement solar energy solutions to assist those in poor rural communities without access to an electrical grid. Benefits include allowing students to study at night, bringing computers and Internet into schools, bringing in water for irrigation without having to hand-carry it, and improving health care, resulting in a greatly improved standard of living.

SELF has completed several projects in more than 20 countries including a solar powered drip irrigation in Benin, a health care centre in Haiti, telemedicine in the Amazon rainforest, online learning platform in South Africa, and a microenterprise development in Nigeria.

United Nations Foundation Not independent (2017): UN Foundation Kicks Off Project to Power Primary Health Facilities in Ghana and Uganda

• This announcement from the United Nations Foundation provides information on SELF’s work installing solar electric systems in 62 health facilities across Ghana and Uganda with the goal of improving healthcare, especially for women and children.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Not independent (2016): Self's Solar Market Gardens | Benin

• This article offers a deep dive into the Solar Market Garden (SMG) program in Benin, for which SELF won the UNFCCC’s Momentum for Change Lighthouse Award at COP21 in Paris.

Daily Mail (2016): deprecated source Wikipedia:Deprecated sources

• This is additional coverage of the SMG program in Benin.

National Geographic not independent (2015): My Lightbulb Moment: Using Solar Energy to Feed a Village

• SELF Executive Director narrated this video for National Geographic about how he became inspired to work on energy poverty issues and the ripple effects of SELF’s SMG work in Benin.

United Nations (2015): Not independent Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)

• SELF was selected as a finalist for the United Nations “Powering the Future We Want” award for its SMG work in Benin.

MSBNC (2012): long panel discussion Starts at video 10:30. Interesting but you have to listen a long time to extract useful facts. Up with Chris Hayes

• SELF’s Executive Director joined Chris Hayes and other guests in a conversation about renewable energy. Freling spoke about SELF’s mission, financing for solar systems, SELF’s work electrifying clinics with Partners In Health, and the SMG program in Benin. This is also on the MSNBC site, but the video appears to have issues loading, so I’ve included the Dropbox link above.

National Geographic Some independent analysis (2011): Nigeria’s Solar Projects Yield Both Failure and Success

• This article investigates Nigeria’s failed solar projects and juxtaposes those projects against a successful SELF project in northern Nigeria, which can be attributed to differences in planning and maintenance.

National Geographic Routine coverage of grant (2011): Great Energy Challenge Innovator: Solar Electric Light Fund

• SELF is highlighted as a National Geographic Great Energy Challenge Innovator for its SMG program.

United Nations Not independent (2011): Emerging Issues, Trends, and New Approaches to Issues Affecting the Situation of Women or Equality Between Men and Women

• SELF’s Executive Director spoke on at the 55th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women about the intersection of solar energy and women’s empowerment.

Vu du Ciel Excellent content. Independent. Mostly talks about Robert Freling. Mentions organization name once, but name is wrong. (2011): Clip from “The End of Oil”

• This French television program featured SELF in an episode titled “The End of Oil,” highlighting projects in Benin and South Africa.

Stanford University Not independent. Grant proposal to study SELF project. (2010): An alternative development model? Assessing solar electrification for income generation in rural Benin

• This article covers the study done by Stanford University on SELF’s SMG work, noting the program’s improvements to year-round crop production. The full study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is linked here and within the article.

Harvard Business Review Not independent (2010): The $300 House: The Energy Challenge

• SELF’s Executive Director penned this article as part of a series on scalable housing solutions for people living in poverty. This piece focuses on different approaches to the energy component.

Voice of America Independent, reliable. Article with some interview but some independent analysis. (2009): Benin Project Finds Solar Energy May Ease Hunger During Dry Seasons

• This coverage highlights the SMG program in Benin, and the importance of taking a long-term view to the cost of solar.

Huffington Post Not independent. Describes SELF crowdfunding (2008): Just One Frickin' Day Is All It Takes: Fashion Gives Back

• Model Elettra Wiedemann launched an initiative to benefit SELF, in which people would donate one day’s worth of salary to electrify a rural health facility in Burundi. This initiative was also mentioned in Vogue.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution – and How It Can Renew America Reliable, independent, significant coverage. (2008): Energy Poverty chapter

• SELF was included in Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas Friedman’s book. In chapter 7, Friedman notes that he first heard the term “energy poverty” from SELF’s Executive Director. Freling is quoted talking about the impacts of energy poverty. Friedman includes information on SELF’s work in South Africa. See highlighted paragraphs.

Voice of America Reliable, independent. Written in easy English. Mentions Brazil. (2003): DEVELOPMENT REPORT – June 23, 2003: Solar Electric Light Fund - 2003-06-22

• This piece profiles SELF and its mission more generally, and notes its work in South Africa, the Solomon Islands, and Brazil.

Foreign Affairs Reliable, independent, significant coverage. Good explanation of the SELF concept. (2001): The Great Disruption

• SELF is mentioned on page 93 for its work financing solar home systems.

The New York Times Reliable, independent, significant coverage. (2001): Solar Power Is Reaching Where Wires Can't

• This article covers SELF’s work bringing solar energy and computers to Myeka High School in South Africa, with graduation rates going from 30% before to 70% after installation.

The Futurist Excellent background article. Mentions for-profit joint venture SELCO and financing. (1998): The Technology of Hope

• This article includes information on SELF’s home solar systems and revolving loan funds (page 47), a project providing solar-powered communications for the Masai people (page 49), and details on early models and partnerships (page 50). SELF was also mentioned in another edition of The Futurist (linked here; begins on the right side of page 30).

ADDITIONAL SOURCES:

Off-Grid Clean Energy Facility (2021): Water for the 29,000 inhabitants of Kalalé

• This announcement is from the local Benin counterpart of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a US government agency that co-funded a recent clean water initiative with SELF. The webpage offers some basic information on the 24 solar water pumping systems.

University of Leeds – Trickle Out Project (2021): Solar Electric Light Fund

• This link provides general information on SELF and specific information on its work electrifying health facilities in Rwanda in partnership with Partners In Health.

Global Citizen (2020): 8 Barriers to Good Health That People Living in Poverty Face

• This article addresses various barriers people living in poverty face in pursuit of good health. SELF’s Executive Director was quoted on how rural health clinics are limited in the care they can provide due to lack of electricity access.

Global Citizen (2020): Solar Energy Is Key in the Fight to End Extreme Poverty

• This is a general interview with SELF's Executive Director, which touches on the issue of energy poverty, SELF’s mission, and several projects across Ghana, Uganda, Benin, and Haiti.

Switch On (2020): Link to documentary

• SELF was featured throughout this documentary for its work bringing solar power to Indigenous communities in Colombia.

Sonnenallee (2020): Fighting Poverty with Solar Power

• This article includes a quick mention of SELF’s work fighting global energy poverty for various end uses and highlights its focus on long term outcomes and self-sustaining projects.

Home Power (2018): Solar Electric Light Fund

• SELF was profiled in this magazine, with information on its history, extensive information on its work in Colombia, and bullet points on various other SELF projects.

IEEE (2017): Energy harvesting controls for solar direct-drive medical cold chain equipment

• This paper reports on results from laboratory testing of the Energy Harvester Control technology that SELF helped develop to utilize excess power generation from solar direct-drive vaccine refrigerators and freezers. You’ll need a login to read it, but the abstract provides an overview and if you hover over/click Steve McCarney’s name, you can see his affiliation with SELF.

The Marketing Journal (2017): “The Non-Profit Marketing Challenge” – An Interview with Robert Freling, Solar Electric Light Fund

• In an interview, SELF’s Executive Director, Bob Freling, talks about SELF’s work in Benin, Colombia, and Haiti, plus its approach to community empowerment and partnerships.

NEMA Electroindustry Not independent(2016): Putting Sustainable Energy to Work in the Developing World

• This article from SELF’s Executive Director provides general information on SELF, as well as information on its SMG work in Benin, electrification work in Haiti, and the establishment of the National Solar Training Center in Haiti.

GreenBiz (2015): New rungs for the unelectrified to climb the solar energy ladder

• This article discusses energy poverty and the several “rungs” of solutions – from solar lanterns to community scale microgrids, including two set up by SELF in Haiti and Colombia.

Chronicle of Philanthropy (2014): Bringing Solar Power to Poor Countries Boosts Health and Finances

• SELF’s Executive Director was interviewed on the SMGs set up in Benin and Haiti to improve food security and access to income.

Renewable Energy World (2012): Solar Power Moves Forward in Haiti, Creativity Flows

• This article provides information on electrification work in Haiti, powering 20 schools, a fish farm, and a drip irrigation system.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (2012): Grand Challenges Explorations Grant press release & website

• These links offer verification of SELF winning the Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop and test solar-powered, battery-free icepack freezers to improve access to vaccines among rural populations.

Clinton Foundation (2012): President Clinton Announces Four New Commitments to Provide Solar Energy to Haiti

• The Clinton Foundation announces a project in Haiti, in which SELF implemented a variety of solar electric systems to support community needs.

Philanthropy News Digest (2012): NRG Energy Completes Solar Energy Projects in Haiti as Part of Clinton Global Initiative Commitment

• This article further covers SELF’s work in Haiti in partnership with NRG Energy and the Clinton Global Initiative.

Huffington Post Not independent (2011-2017): Various articles

• SELF’s Executive Director wrote six articles as a contributor for the Huffington Post. He recalls there being an approval and verification process, but we understand these may still qualify as self-published. I’m including this in case it’s helpful; please disregard if not.

TEDxSMU (2010): TEDxSMU - TEDxChange - Robert Freling - Electricity + the UN Millennium Development Goals

• SELF’s Executive Director discusses the many impacts of energy poverty. Freling breaks down the SMG model specifically, and how it helps improve food security, gender equality, and economic opportunity. He makes the argument that energy, while not included in the Millennium Development Goals, is essential to achieving each of them.

What Gives (2010): The Light of Happiness

• This link provides information on SELF’s work in Bhutan, bringing electricity to its citizens while minimizing the impact on local ecosystems.

Renewable Energy World (2010): Haiti Gets US $500,000 Renewables Boost

• SELF solar electrified seven health clinics for Partners In Health in Haiti, with grant money to accelerate the timeline in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake.

Yale Alumni Magazine (2010): Robert Freling ’82

• This article highlights SELF’s work in Haiti, before and after the 2010 earthquake and provides some general information on SELF’s Executive Director, a Yale graduate.

Washington University in St. Louis – The Source (2010): Freling shares his vision to light up the world

• This is an announcement for a talk SELF’s Executive Director gave at Washington University. It also provides some background on SELF and Freling.

Renewable Energy World Not independent (2010): How the Renewable Energy Community Can Help Haiti

• This is a guest article from SELF’s Executive Director calling on the world to help Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake, and explaining the role solar energy can have in the rebuilding process.

Renewable Energy World (2010): Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards Finalists Unveiled

• This announcement includes SELF’s nomination for the Excellence in Renewable Energy Award.

Huffington Post (2009): Electrifying Health Care in Rwanda

• SELF electrified nine health clinics with the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. This article is written by the Assistant Clinical Professor of Public Health there.

Alt Energy Mag (2009): Robert Freling of the Solar Electric Light Fund Awarded King Hussein Leadership Prize

• SELF’s Executive Director was honored as the winner of the King Hussein Leadership Prize for his work expanding access to clean energy around the world. SELF can also be found on the foundation’s website here (scroll to 2008, on the left side), and was featured in the Dallas Morning News here.

Environmental Protection (2008): Tech Museum Announces 2008 Laureates

• SELF was honored a second time as a laureate for the Tech Museum Awards, this time for its SMG program in Benin.

Dallas Morning News (2008): Project Takes Solar Power to Villages

• This article provides some background on SELF and its mission, touching specifically on solar power for human health and low-cost financing.

Renewable Energy World (2008): Solar Electric Light Fund Tackles Benin’s Arid Land

• In this guest article, Freling outlines some of SELF’s early work on solar-powered drip irrigation in Benin and the need it fills.

Renewable Energy World (2008): Renewable Energy Powers Rwandan Health Centers

• This article includes information on SELF’s project electrifying health facilities in Rwanda with Partners In Health.

NEED (2008): A Brighter Future

• This article explores the issue of energy poverty and SELF’s work to combat it, including its work in Benin and brief mentions of its work in South Africa, Rwanda, and Lesotho.

PopTech (2007): YouTube Broadcast

• SELF’s Executive Director spoke at PopTech about the various applications of solar energy for community development, including plans for SELF’s electrification efforts in Benin.

PopTech Not independent (2006): YouTube Broadcast

• SELF’s Executive Director discusses the issue of energy poverty, and how solar power can improve lives through expanded health, education, and economic opportunities. This video touches on SELF’s projects in Nigeria, Bhutan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Brazil, South Africa, Benin, and the Solomon Islands.

Chevron (2005): Environmental Heroes from Around the World Honored at 51st Annual Chevron Conservation Awards

• SELF was honored as a recipient of the Chevron Conservation Award. This announcement gives a brief overview of SELF and its work in Nigeria.

Massive Change (2006): Solar Power chapter

• The book Massive Change includes an interview with SELF’s Executive Director, which explores the basics of solar power, how it can improve resources and connection within rural communities, and mentions of several SELF projects, including those in South Africa and the Amazon Rainforest.

Travel Girl (2003): Discovery is the Latest Vogue

• This article touches on SELF’s work with Indigenous communities in the Amazon Rainforest. SELF provided solar panels and wireless communications to allow for expanded medical treatment among other things.

Renewable Energy World (2003): Kyocera Wires Solar Village in Nigeria

• SELF helped solar electrify three Nigerian villages, bringing power to homes, schools, clinics, mosques, and local micro-enterprises.

Renewable Energy World (2002): Solar Electric Light Fund Honored

• SELF was nominated for the 2002 Tech Museum of Innovation Award by physicist and Templeton Prize-winner Freeman Dyson. This piece highlights SELF’s work electrifying schools in South Africa and providing internet access, lights, a water pump, and a vaccine refrigerator, to an Indigenous community in the Amazon Rainforest. SELF was also featured in a video from the Tech Museum, accessible here (begins at 6:20).

Renewable Energy World (2002): Solar Power, Internet Access Brought to Amazon

• This article offers additional information on SELF’s work in the Amazon Rainforest.

Renewable Energy World (2002): Solar Powered Communications Established in Four Corners Region

• SELF worked with OnSat to bring satellite communication to over 80 Native American communities.

The International Journal of Humanities and Peace (2001): Not independent Solar Vision

• SELF’s Executive Director explores the benefits of solar energy for rural communities as it relates to health, education, economic development, and more. He also provides background on SELF, its projects, and its objectives.

Rhonda London Live (est. 2000): Interview Recording

• SELF’s Executive Director was interviewed on the Canadian talk show about the power of solar energy for developing communities (interview begins at 7:50).

IT Web (2000): Dell Computers in rural KwaZulu-Natal

• This article provides details on SELF’s work in partnership with Dell Computers bringing electricity, computers, and connectivity to Myeka High School in South Africa.

Infinite Energy (2000): Lighting a Path to Distribute Renewable Power to the Third World

• This article provides background on SELF, including early projects in China, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and South Africa, as well as information on the formation of SELCO.

Islands Business (1999): From the Swiss Alps to the Solomon Islands

• This article covers SELF’s work bringing solar electricity to the Solomon Islands to improve local resources and safety.

The Sun, the Genome and the Internet (1999): Technology and Social Justice chapter

• SELF was mentioned in Freeman Dyson’s book, with information on its early work making solar home systems more accessible through financing programs.

Mother Earth News (1998): Solomon Islands Solar Power Project

• In a guest article for Mother Earth News, SELF’s Executive Director walks through SELF’s project in the Solomon Islands, including how it came to be and the benefits it will provide residents.

First Intranet (1998): Solar Electric Light Fund to Receive Prestigious Environmental Award from Global Green USA

• This is an announcement about SELF being honored by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev’s organization for its work expanding clean energy access.

Climate Alert (1998): Small Island States Confer on Ways to Convert to Green Energy

• SELF’s Executive Director spoke at an event about SELF’s project electrifying a village in the Solomon Islands.

Living Lightly (1998): Let’s Light Up the World

• This guest article runs through several of SELF’s early projects in Vietnam, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania, South Africa, and China.

EPRI Journal (1998): Sustainability Success Stories Abroad

• SELF was highlighted for its work providing financing for solar home systems and its establishment of commercial energy services company, SELCO.

Global Green Environment Award (1998): Panel and Awards Ceremony Video

• SELF’s Executive Director was presented the Global Green Environment Award from Mikhail Gorbachev. See Freling at time stamps 14:50 (Gorbachev sits second from the right on the panel) and 1:01:45. This award win is also mentioned in SourceWatch.

Solomon Star (1998): Sukiki – Solomon Islands first skar village revisited

• This article provides information on SELF’s project in the Solomon Islands, including electrifying the village of Sukiki and plans to electrify the village of Makaruka (completed after publication).

World Watch (1997): Shining Examples

• This article explores the need for solar financing, and includes mentions of SELF’s work on page 32, including projects in Vietnam and China, and the creation of SELCO.

NASA (1997): Solar Energy Specialist to Speak at Langley

• This is a speaking announcement for Solar Energy International, with a brief mention of partnership with SELF to expand electrification in the Solomon Islands.

In Business (1996): Foreign Markets Spark Clean Energy Growth

• This article talks about the expansion of clean energy in developing communities and the need to make credit available to finance it. SELF’s work is mentioned on the second page in the middle column.

CADDET (1996): Vietnam Women’s Union Promotes Photovoltaic Systems in Remote Areas

• This article from the International Energy Association’s CADDET magazine cover’s SELF rural electrification work with the Vietnam Women’s Union aimed at improving business and education opportunities.

Solar Today (1995): Bringing Power to the People

• Freling, SELF’s then-Director of International Programs, wrote an article for Solar Today that offers a look at SELF’s early days, including its solar home system work, its financing programs, and project updates across China, Vietnam, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, the Solomon Islands, and Brazil.

Kuensel (1994): Lighting Up Phobjikha Valley

• This article from Bhutan’s national newspaper covers SELF’s work bringing solar lighting to 151 rural families. Georgialawson (talk) 23:41, 19 April 2023 (UTC)