Twelve years ago, Little Sun began as a simple yet powerful idea: to bring light, energy, and opportunity to people around the world using the power of the sun. Today, we look back with immense gratitude and pride at the journey we’ve taken together and the milestones we’ve achieved.
A Decade of Impact
Since our founding, Little Sun has become more than just a solar energy company – it’s a movement. Together with our partners, supporters, and dedicated teams, we’ve spread solar love across more than 30 countries and created meaningful change:
- 💡 Empowered 4.8 million people with improved energy access
- 🌿 Avoided 1.2 million tons of CO2 emissions
- 📚 Provided over 205 million hours of extra study time for children
- 💰 Saved communities $203 million in energy costs
- 🔥 Replaced over 900,000 kerosene lanterns
1.2 million lamps later, Little Sun shines at climate conferences, festivals, and museums worldwide. 🌍 It has been thrilling to see how holding solar energy in the palm of your hand can create real change.
The Hard Decision to Let Go of the Little Sun Lamps
As we reflect on our achievements, we’ve also had to make some tough choices. Over the past decade, we’ve developed innovative products like the Little Sun Charge and Little Sun Diamond, partnered with incredible organizations, and launched impactful projects. But we’ve always asked ourselves: How can we deliver even more impact?
After extensive research and collaboration with our teams and partners, we’ve decided to focus fully on a new initiative: the Little Sun Community Energy Hubs in Zambia. This means that by the end of 2024, we will end the production and sales of Little Sun lamps.
Introducing the Community Energy Hubs
The Little Sun Community Energy Hubs mark an exciting new chapter for us. These solar-powered productivity spaces are designed to enhance local income, agricultural production, and community well-being. By providing energy for essential needs like milk cooling and testing, these hubs empower smallholder farmers to access formal markets and grow their businesses.
Here’s what we’re planning:
- 🌍 Establishing 200 Community Energy Hubs by 2035
- 👩🌾 Supporting 7,600 farmers in accessing the formal milk market
- 🛠️ Creating over 1,000 jobs in local communities
This ambitious vision builds on everything we’ve learned over the last 12 years and represents the next step in our mission to create sustainable, community-led impact.
What’s Next?
While we’ll be saying goodbye to the Little Sun lamps, we’re excited for this new journey and the opportunities it brings. You can still purchase our solar lamps through our online shop until the end of 2024 – a final chance to hold a piece of Little Sun’s history in your hands.
To everyone who has supported us along the way: Thank you. Your belief in Little Sun has been the light guiding us forward. We invite you to join us on this next chapter and see how the Little Sun Community Energy Hubs will continue to spread solar love and transform lives.
💛 Let’s stay connected and keep shining together.
Learn more about the Community Energy Hubs here.
