SELF was founded in 1990 by Neville Williams, who had previously promoted photovoltaics under the Carter administration. For much of the 90’s, SELF’s focus was installing and financing solar home systems for individual families in Asia, with the goal of establishing a business model for supplying locally-maintained solar systems. After implementing nearly a dozen projects across three continents, Williams left SELF in 1997 to launch a spin-off, for-profit company called the Solar Electric Light Company (SELCO).  

Bob Freling, SELF’s Director of International Programs from 1995 to 1997, stepped into the role of Executive Director after Williams’ departure. He could see that if SELF were going to truly help eradicate energy poverty, we would have to think bigger than home solar systems. Freling then spearheaded an all-encompassing approach to reflect the widespread impacts of energy poverty. The direction SELF took—the Whole Village Development Model—is an integrated philosophy that harnesses energy from the sun to improve access to resources like health care, education, and agricultural systems. 

The first project completed under this rubric in 2001 was a solar-powered computer lab at Myeka High School in Maphephethe, South Africa—considered the first of its kind. Outfitted with computers, printers, copiers, VCR’s, televisions, and more, student enrollment soared by 40%.