Solar Aid
SolarAid combats poverty and climate change by providing access to solar lights in Africa to help catalyse solar markets and eradicate the kerosene lamp. We have created a social enterprise, SunnyMoney, who sell lights via sustainable school networks and local enterprises.
Activities & Mission
SolarAid combats poverty and climate change by providing access to solar lights in Africa to help catalyse solar markets and eradicate the kerosene lamp. We have created a social enterprise, SunnyMoney, who sell lights via sustainable school networks and local enterprises.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 30% of UK Economic and community development charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 829). How is this calculated?
Higher than 17% of UK Economic and community development charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 15% of UK Economic and community development charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £3,951,083 | £3,952,057 | £3,312,447 | £1,205,303 | £273,988 | 82 / 0 |
| 2024 | £2,527,371 | £3,286,936 | £2,417,879 | £1,290,714 | £560,000 | 90 / 0 |
| 2023 | £2,797,089 | £3,176,155 | £2,506,508 | £2,050,279 | £2,050,279 | 89 / 0 |
| 2022 | £2,800,133 | £2,438,054 | £1,960,270 | £2,429,345 | £1,500,000 | 76 / 0 |
| 2021 | £1,729,082 | £1,738,925 | £1,438,218 | £2,119,267 | £1,320,981 | 47 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Solar Aid
What does Solar Aid do?
SolarAid combats poverty and climate change by providing access to solar lights in Africa to help catalyse solar markets and eradicate the kerosene lamp. We have created a social enterprise, SunnyMoney, who sell lights via sustainable school networks and local enterprises.
How much income did Solar Aid report in 2025?
Solar Aid reported total income of £3.95m and reported expenditure of £3.95m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Solar Aid?
Solar Aid has a program ratio of 83.8%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 30% of UK Economic and community development charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 829 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Solar Aid registered as a charity?
Solar Aid was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 30 August 2006 as charity number 1115960. It has been registered for 20 years.
Who runs Solar Aid?
Solar Aid is governed by a board of 7 trustees. The chair of trustees is Lionel Marumahoko. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Solar Aid operate?
Solar Aid operates across 2 areas: Malawi and Zambia.
Is Solar Aid a registered charity?
Yes — Solar Aid is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1115960.
Details
LONDON
E17 6ZJ
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 2 other charities
Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated