The successful social enterprise blends product innovation, last-mile distribution and financing to expand sustainable energy access for millions.
Since its founding in 2007, d.light has been at the forefront of delivering affordable, high-quality solar energy solutions to off-grid communities. With a mission to improve lives through accessible and reliable power, the company has impacted over 200 million people across multiple countries, helping to bridge the global energy access gap. Its approach combines innovation, widespread distribution and flexible financing to ensure that even the most underserved communities can access clean and sustainable power.
“What distinguishes d.light from many other companies is our explicit focus on social impact and how that philosophy is front and center of everything we do,” says Karl Skare, chief product and strategy officer at d.light. “We’re a great example of a social enterprise that has achieved scale and profitability, providing a proof point for investors interested in simultaneously driving social impact and achieving commercial returns.”
At the core of d.light’s success is its commitment to developing high-quality, human-centered products that address real-world needs. From basic solar lanterns to advanced solar home systems and inverters, each solution is designed with durability, affordability and efficiency in mind.
The company has also built one of the largest last-mile distribution networks in the sector, with over 30,000 retail points and a vast network of sales agents globally. This setup ensures that its solar solutions reach the people who need them most.
Recognizing that access to solar energy is about both availability and affordability, d.light enables customers to purchase solar systems through manageable installments. This financial innovation has facilitated over $700 million in product financing, making clean energy accessible to low-income households, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and India.
While private sector efforts have been instrumental in expanding energy availability, government subsidies are crucial in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which calls for universal access to affordable, reliable and sustainable power by 2030. The impact of these programs is evident in places like Uganda, where a World Bank-backed subsidy program led to a fivefold increase in d.light’s sales. This demonstrates that government-backed initiatives can significantly accelerate progress toward energy inclusion.
As a thriving social enterprise, d.light has demonstrated that business innovation, when supported by appropriate public policies, can create a scalable and lasting impact on society.
Learn more about d.light at www.dlight.com.
