Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)

Mission

SELF’s mission is to bring solar power and communications to the two billion people still living without electricity in the developing world -- for enhancements in health, education, and economic well-being.

Programs

SELF has solar programs in 14 countries, including: the Solomon Islands, Vietnam, China, Brazil, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Navajo Nation, Sri Lanka, India, Bhutan, Indonesia and Nepal. In SELF’s most recently completed project, each of three villages in Northern Nigeria was equipped with solar arrays to power a community water pump, school, clinic, six small businesses, homes, mosques and street lights.

Funded Projects on GlobalGiving

Solar Energy Transformation in Benin

Personnel Overview

Robert A. Freling - Executive Director
Mr. Freling has developed SELF’s solar electrification programs in Brazil, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Nigeria, Bhutan, and in the Solomon Islands. Mr. Freling received a B.A. in Russian Studies from Yale University and an M.A. in Communications Management from the Annenberg School of Communications at USC. He is fluent in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese and Indonesian.

Jeff Lahl - Project Director
Jeff Lahl holds a B.A. from Colorado State University and several advanced certifications in solar technology. He has over twenty years of experience in the field of renewable energy including solar architecture, solar education, and extensive international experience designing and managing solar electrification projects. Mr. Lahl has managed and implemented our last four projects.

Personnel Statistics

Robert A. Freling,
Executive Director
Founded in 1990
Employees: 4
Volunteers: 4

Financial Statistics

Budget (2006): $ 1,136,420
Maximum Budget: $ 1,136,420
Overhead: 12 %
Other funding sources: Rockefeller Foundation, Mertz-Gilmore Foundation, Turner Foundation, Wallace Global Fund, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, W. Alton Jones Foundation, Public Welfare Foundation, Summit Foundation
Religious Affiliation: none