An introduction to solar lighting projects

Introduction

Calyx Global is excited to announce our first rating for a project that replaces kerosene lamps with solar-powered lighting systems in Kenya. This innovative technology reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improves the lives of households in off-grid communities by providing renewable, affordable and reliable lighting. 

In this blog post, we look at how solar lighting reduces kerosene use, avoids greenhouse gas emissions and helps to improve the lives of poorer communities in developing countries.

Kerosene lamps - what are they and why replace them?

In developing countries, many off-grid households traditionally use kerosene lamps for lighting. These lamps are typically simple portable devices with a metal or glass body and a wick that draws kerosene from a reservoir. When used indoors, they pose serious health risks because the burning of kerosene releases harmful pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to respiratory issues, eye irritation and long-term exposure-related illnesses.

Kerosene lamps also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Burning 1 liter of kerosene releases approximately 2.4 kilograms of CO₂ into the atmosphere. Additionally, kerosene combustion produces black carbon, a potent climate pollutant. Black carbon [1], commonly known as soot, is the fine particulate form of elemental carbon that forms as a result of incomplete combustion (e.g., pyrolysis, cooking, forest fires and engines). Black carbon has a high global warming potential as its particulates absorb sunlight and possess thermal retention properties [2]. 

Furthermore, kerosene is expensive and often places a heavy financial burden on low-income households in developing countries. 

The switch from kerosene to solar-powered lighting

Switching to solar-powered lamps offers a solution to the challenges introduced by kerosene lamps. Solar lighting provides clean, renewable energy, eliminating the CO₂ and health-related impacts associated with kerosene use. By removing the need for indoor combustion, they significantly improve air quality. In turn, respiratory and eye health outcomes improve, and risks of burns and fires diminish.

A typical solar lighting system

A typical solar lighting system may include a number of LED lights powered by a small solar panel. The system will typically include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a smart-charge-control-system, the combination of which ensures efficient charging, sustained reliability and consistent power. 

In some cases, these solar-powered systems also come with optional extras like a solar-powered radio and a mobile phone charging cable for added convenience. If the project developer opts for a 7-year crediting period, instead of the 2-year option, the lights have to be designed for durability, built to last over 10,000 hours and include a 2-year battery warranty under best practice.

The above is an example of a solar power lighting kit that includes an 8W solar panel, LED lights, USB charging cables, a lithium-ion battery, a radio and a flashlight.

Barriers to switching from kerosene to solar lights

Switching from kerosene lamps to solar-powered lighting might seem like a straightforward upgrade, but it’s not always easy for rural off-grid households to make this transition. One of the main barriers is the upfront cost of solar lighting systems. While these lamps are an investment that can save money over time, the initial expense may feel out of reach for families in low-income communities. The adoption of non-kerosene lamps also requires a cultural shift away from traditional and trusted technologies. Kerosene lamps are familiar, reliable, inexpensive to replace and easy to use. Unlike kerosene, solar lamps depend on exposure to sunlight, which might feel like a risky choice for new users. 

Many people are unfamiliar with solar technology and unaware of solar lighting benefits. They might be hesitant to try something new without trusted information, especially when cost barriers are involved. Some government subsidies and market dynamics even make kerosene cheaper or more accessible than solar alternatives, at least in the short term. 

Developing a kerosene to solar-powered lighting carbon project

Carbon finance can play a role in overcoming the barriers to adoption of this technology. It can subsidize upfront costs, increase after-sales support and expand awareness campaigns, making it easier for rural households to adopt solar technology. 

The AMS-III.AR methodology, known as "Substituting fossil fuel-based lighting with LED/CFL lighting systems," sets guidelines for projects that replace kerosene lamps with solar-powered alternatives like LED or CFL lights. This methodology is narrowly focused on lighting systems, specifically targeting the replacement of kerosene lamps with renewable energy-powered LED or CFL systems. It has been widely adopted by major carbon credit platforms, including the UNFCCC CDM, Verra and Gold Standard. Together, these platforms have supported over 20 projects that swap kerosene lamps for solar-powered lighting, delivering carbon reductions while improving the quality of life in off-grid communities.

In the coming weeks, Calyx Global Platform subscribers will receive additional insights on the  AMS-III.AR methodology and in-depth project assessments. If you’re interested in learning more about solar-powered lighting carbon projects and are not yet a subscriber, reach out.

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[1]  UNEP. An air pollutant with damaging effects on human health, crops, ecosystems and climate. (n.d.). Accessible at: https://www.ccacoalition.org/short-lived-climate-pollutants/black-carbon

[2] Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. What is black carbon?. (2010). Accessible at: https://www.c2es.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/what-is-black-carbon.pdf