GIVEWATTS is a social enterprise that makes renewable energy (RE) available to rural households in Africa that do not have access to electricity or modern energy sources. GIVEWATTS works through schools, through a network of agents, reaching out to thousands of households. Over a two year period GIVEWATTS monitors the schools measuring effects on grades, household savings form not using kerosene and charging mobile phones, and other effect from the RE products. GIVEWATTS produces impact reports for each school over a period over the two years, sending reports to the funders, as well as publishing it on the website www.givewatts.org.
The GIVEWATTS model makes the renewable energy products available in local markets where few other distribution channels exist, and offers the households to purchase the products through small installments, interest free. The money that comes back to GIVEWATTS goes towards providing RE products in new areas. Through this system GIVEWATTS creates a market without creating dependency.
GIVEWATTS has charity status in Sweden (90-konto), Switzerland, and the US, and fundraises form individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors. The current list of funders includes business from across Europe and the US, and a large number of individual supporters.
If you are interested in supporting GIVEWATTS, or if you want more information, please contact petter@givewatts.org