Benefits

An investment in efficient sources of lighting, such as a solar home energy and lighting system is an investment in the health of family members, home safety, the integrity of our natural environment, the education of children as well as learning adults, and the economic well-being of a family. Although there is no specific Millennium Development Goal (MDG) relating to energy, the UN has stated that it will be impossible to achieve the MDGs without improving the quality and quantity of energy services in the developing world. They have also asserted that access to energy services affects practically all aspects of sustainable development, including access to water, agricultural productivity, population levels, health care, education, job creation, gender equality and climate change impacts. Research has found that installing solar home lighting systems as an alternative to fossil-fuel based lighting has affected the following aspects of home life:

1. Education: Educational opportunities for children, youth and adults have been enhanced through access to a higher quality light for study.
2. Household Finances: The financial situation of households has improved with increases to disposable income.
3. Social and Economic Opportunities: Social and economic opportunities have been enhanced by extending the number of hours of potential activity. 
4. Indoor Pollution: Indoor health conditions have been improved by reducing the number of airborne toxins found in the home as a result of burning fossil-fuel based sources of light.
5. Environmental Sustainability: Global environmental sustainability objectives are furthered through the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. 
6. Health and Safety: Burns and house fires are less likely to take place through the elimination of the use of flammable sources of light.