The Global Impact Award, decided by a panel of judges including Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Sir Richard Branson, will help the UK charity get 144,000 solar lights to rural Tanzanian families and create jobs for over 400 solar entrepreneurs, taking SolarAid further in its goal to eradicate dangerous kerosene lamps from Africa by 2020.
Steve Andrews, SolarAid ceo, said: “Giving people access to simple solar technology impacts poverty and changes lives forever. The Global Impact Award will not only help us get 144,000 solar lights into Tanzania but create a sustainable model for solar distribution, market and job creation we can replicate across the continent. The impact of the technology and the effect of the award will be astounding.”
Pippa Palmer, SolarAid managing director, added: “We cannot believe the overwhelming support we have received over the past few days. I would like to thank everyone who voted for SolarAid and helped spread the word. Google has given us a fantastic opportunity to highlight the life-changing impact of the simple solar light. We’ll be using the incredible momentum to build even more awareness of SolarAid’s work to reach millions living without electricity.”