Empowered By Light
Empowered By Light is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that installs donated solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems for off-grid communities across 10 countries, serving indigenous groups, emergency services, wildlife conservation rangers, and vulnerable populations through foundation grants and corporate partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersLarkspur, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Empowered By Light does
Empowered By Light is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2011 and headquartered in Larkspur/San Francisco, California, that installs solar photovoltaic (PV) systems combined with battery energy storage (BESS) to provide renewable, off-grid electricity to vulnerable and remote communities. The organization operates with a lean team of 1-10 employees and has completed more than 130 projects across 10 countries including Puerto Rico, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, the United States, Nepal, Kenya, Ecuador, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Colombia, and Peru. Core technology deployments range from small residential-scale systems (10 kW solar with 19-45 kWh storage) to larger community microgrids (128 kW solar with 267 kWh storage), incorporating Tesla Powerwall, Generac PWRcell, SimpliPhi, and EG4 battery technologies, and increasingly integrating solar-powered satellite internet systems for indigenous territorial defense applications.
The organization's beneficiary portfolio spans indigenous communities (Northern Cheyenne, Navajo Nation, Asháninka, Shipibo), emergency services (Puerto Rico Fire Department, LA fire response), wildlife conservation rangers (Akashinga, Virunga National Park), Native American tribal facilities, and social service providers (children's homes, transitional housing, youth services). Its product portfolio has expanded beyond fixed solar microgrids into portable solar generators (Enphase IQ PowerPack 1500), water desalination systems, and a solar workforce development training program developed in partnership with GRID Alternatives. The organization monitors larger systems remotely in real time using cloud-based technology.
As a charitable nonprofit, Empowered By Light generates no commercial revenue; all systems are donated to recipient communities. Funding is sourced from individual donations, foundation grants (Electric Planet Foundation's $2 million gift being the largest), corporate partnerships and equipment donations (Sunnova, Tesla, Generac, First Solar, SimpliPhi, Enphase), employer matching gifts, and high-profile fundraising events featuring celebrity supporters including board advisor Mark Ruffalo. Distribution is executed through local implementation partners and channel NGOs in each country of operation, including Casa Pueblo in Puerto Rico, Instituto Fronteiras and ION Energia in Brazil, FECONAU in Peru, and Hinversolar in Peru.
Empowered By Light firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Empowered By Light
- Legal name
- Empowered By Light
- Website
- https://empoweredbylight.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Empowered By Light is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that installs donated solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems for off-grid communities across 10 countries, serving indigenous groups, emergency services, wildlife conservation rangers, and vulnerable populations through foundation grants and corporate partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Empowered By Light industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Renewable Energy Access Services
- NAICS
- Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)
- SIC
- Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Microgrid Development, EPC & Integration (EUAMAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Community Microgrids & Shared Distributed Generation (EUACALAC), Distributed Storage (Behind-the-Meter Batteries) (EUAMAJAE), Renewable Energy & Clean Tech Access (Off-grid, Energy Poverty Solutions) (BPAGALAE)
Keywords
Where Empowered By Light is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Larkspur
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Empowered By Light business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: Personal donations from individuals supporting the organization's mission to bring renewable energy to underserved communities. Tax-deductible contributions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Foundation Grants and Major Gifts: Large unrestricted donations from foundations such as Electric Planet Foundation ($2 million), Schmidt Family Foundation, Wallace Global Fund, and Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Also corporate foundation grants from Kresge Foundation.
- Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Support from corporate partners including equipment donations (solar panels, batteries), funding, and in-kind contributions. Partners include Sunnova, Generac, Tesla, First Solar, SimpliPhi Power, and others.
- Employer Matching Gifts: Employee matching gift programs where employers match employee charitable donations to Empowered by Light, amplifying individual contributions.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
Empowered By Light product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Empowered By Light is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that deploys donated solar photovoltaic systems with battery energy storage to bring renewable electricity to off-grid, indigenous, and disaster-vulnerable communities in 10 countries. All systems are donated (not sold) and funded through charitable donations, foundation grants, and corporate equipment/funding partnerships, with cloud-based remote monitoring for larger installations.
Product overview
Empowered by Light is a non-profit organization that develops and deploys renewable energy technologies to empower vulnerable communities on the frontlines of climate change. The organization's primary offerings are solar and energy storage systems, including solar microgrids, solar-powered satellite internet systems, portable solar generators, and water systems. These products work together to provide complete energy solutions for off-grid communities: solar microgrids serve as the core power infrastructure, satellite internet systems enable connectivity for remote indigenous communities, water desalination systems address basic needs, and workforce training programs build local capacity. Empowered by Light's projects span fire station resiliency systems, school solar installations, ranger station power systems, and community center solar arrays across 10 countries. The organization partners with local communities for installation and ongoing operations, with larger systems monitored remotely in real time using cloud-based technology.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Solar and Energy Storage Systems Solar photovoltaic systems combined with battery energy storage (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, Generac PWRcell, SimpliPhi, EG4) that provide reliable, renewable power to off-grid communities, ranging from small installations to larger microgrids. Donated (not sold) to recipient communities and organizations.
- Solar-Powered Satellite Internet Systems Solar-powered satellite internet systems installed for remote indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon, enabling communication, education for school-age children, healthcare coordination, emergency response, and territorial defense against illegal encroachment.
- Portable Solar Generators for Disaster Response Portable solar generator units (such as Enphase IQ PowerPack 1500) used to charge cell phones, laptops, radios, lighting, and other small critical devices during emergency situations, deployed to LA fire victims and firefighters in 2025.
- Hagar's House Solar and Energy Storage System A solar and energy storage microgrid system installed for at-risk women, children, and marginalized residents at Hagar's House transitional housing in New Orleans, designed to ensure continuity of services during grid outages.
- San Diego Youth Services Spring Valley Campus Solar Installation A donated solar and energy storage system at San Diego Youth Services' Spring Valley Campus, supporting homeless youth, workforce development, mental health services, and foster care programs.
- El Pesebre Emergency Kitchen Solar System A donated solar system providing resilient power to an emergency kitchen in Ponce, Puerto Rico that feeds vulnerable community members.
- Solar Workforce Development Training Program A training program developed in partnership with GRID Alternatives using the Installation Basics Training (IBT) curriculum: three weeks and 120 hours of interactive classroom learning and hands-on solar training labs, providing pathways for job trainees to enter the solar energy industry.
- Solar-Powered Water Desalination Systems Solar-powered water desalination and purification systems deployed to provide clean water access to communities affected by disasters or lacking reliable water sources.
Quantifiable outcome
- More than 500,000 people directly impacted or benefited from solar projects
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Empowered By Light
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Empowered By Light technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature3 records
Empowered By Light partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Solar AlternativesminorRegional energy firm in New Orleans designed and built solar and battery microgrid system for Hagar's House.
- Footprint ProjectcoreDisaster-focused nonprofit providing cleaner energy infrastructure for crisis situations. Partnered on Hagar's House and LA fire response projects, leveraging solar industry sponsors for equipment.
- Amazon WatchcorePartnership to provide off-grid solar power and satellite internet to indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon, improving communication, healthcare, education, and emergency response capabilities.
- FECONAUcoreFederation of Native Communities of Ucayali partnered on Peruvian Amazon solar and satellite installations for 15 indigenous communities.
- Enphase EnergycorePartnered to provide 25 solar generators (IQ PowerPack 1500) to LA fire victims and firefighters during 2025 LA fires. Bay Area-based energy technology company provided portable solar generators.
- Windmar FoundationminorDonated design and installation of solar system for Portal de Amor Children's Home in Puerto Rico.
- Instituto FronteirascoreBrazilian nonprofit managed Energy Transition Initiative project locally, coordinating with Empowered by Light on Asháninka community solar installations.
- ION EnergiacoreBrazilian solar developer designed and led solar and battery installations for Asháninka communities in the Amazon.
- HinversolarcoreLocal solar installation firm with expertise in geographically isolated villages. Contracted for Peruvian Amazon installations, providing logistical expertise and community training.
- GRID AlternativescoreJoint solar workforce development program in Puerto Rico using GRID's Installation Basics Training curriculum. Program aims to train 60 people in first year to meet increased demand for solar installers.
- Generac Power SystemscorePartnered with Sunnova to equip Navajo Nation Hard Rock Chapter House with PWRcell energy storage system. Provided battery technology for resilient backup power solutions.
- Indigenized Energy InitiativecoreNative-led nonprofit partnered on Northern Cheyenne Tribe solar project. Installed 10 kW solar with 19 kWh storage on Muddy Hall community center. IEI is a project of Earth Island Institute.
- SimpliPhi PowercoreDonated batteries for Akashinga Ranger Program renewable energy system. Provided 45 kWh of energy storage using environmentally benign lithium ferro phosphate battery chemistry.
- Casa PueblocoreLocal Puerto Rican nonprofit leading energy transition efforts. Partnered on La Misericordia elderly home and Adjuntas fire station solar installations. Casa Pueblo has been running on solar since 1999.
- Sunnova Energy InternationalcoreNation's largest residential solar company partnered on Puerto Rico fire station solar installations and multiple subsequent projects including Navajo Nation Chapter House and Portal de Amor Children's Home. Provided funding and solar systems.
- GivePower FoundationcoreCollaboration on solar microgrid installations including Virunga National Park, Amazon Basin, and Navajo Nation projects. GivePower provided solar power installation, engineering, design, and funding for projects.
- TeslacoreProvided Tesla Powerwall battery technology for Virunga National Park and multiple Puerto Rico fire station installations, enabling energy storage for nighttime power at remote ranger stations.
- ConergyminorGlobal solar company served as Chief Storytelling Sponsor for Empowered by Light, donating funds, market-specific knowledge, and media resources through 2017. Conergy provided cutting-edge virtual reality storytelling resources to share project stories with donors and the public.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Empowered By Light competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Barefoot College: Nonprofit training rural community members — including grandmothers — to install and maintain solar electrification in off-grid villages. Comparable in community-led, off-grid solar deployment and capacity-building approach.
- M-KOPA: Pay-as-you-go solar home system provider for off-grid households in East Africa. Comparable in mission and target customer (energy-poor households in Africa), with a different financing/leasing business model.
- d.light: Social enterprise providing affordable solar home systems and lanterns to off-grid households in emerging markets. Highly comparable in targeting the same energy-poor customer base, though d.light operates a for-pay product model rather than donations.
- We Care Solar: Nonprofit deploying solar power systems to maternal health clinics and community facilities in off-grid regions. Closely comparable in deploying donated solar systems to underserved, mission-critical facilities, with a similar grant-funded model.
- GivePower Foundation: Nonprofit deploying solar microgrids to schools, medical clinics, and conservation areas across Africa and the Caribbean. Empowered by Light is a documented co-implementation partner with GivePower on the Virunga, Amazon, and Navajo Nation projects, making it the closest direct operational peer.
- SolarAid: International nonprofit tackling energy poverty through solar light and home system distribution in sub-Saharan Africa. Overlapping mission (energy access for off-grid communities), donor-funded model, and Africa footprint make it a strong direct peer.
Emerging players
- Sun King (Greenlight Planet): Global provider of off-grid solar energy solutions for households without reliable electricity, with strong presence in Africa and South Asia. Comparable in targeting energy-poor customers with solar home systems and PAYG financing.
- GRID Alternatives: U.S. nonprofit delivering no-cost solar installations to low-income communities and providing workforce training. Direct programmatic partner on Empowered by Light's Puerto Rico training program and operates the same donate-and-train model domestically.
- BBOXX: Solar energy company providing pay-as-you-go solar home systems across Africa and Asia. Comparable in off-grid solar for underserved communities, but operates a commercial product model rather than charitable donations.
- Zola Electric: Provider of solar-plus-storage home and commercial systems for off-grid and weak-grid markets in Africa. Comparable in combining solar PV with battery storage for off-grid users, with a commercial rather than nonprofit model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Empowered By Light social profiles
Digital presenceEmpowered By Light financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Empowered By Light leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Empowered By Light funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Empowered By Light M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Empowered By Light
What does Empowered By Light do?
Empowered By Light is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that deploys donated solar photovoltaic systems with battery energy storage to bring renewable electricity to off-grid, indigenous, and disaster-vulnerable communities in 10 countries. All systems are donated (not sold) and funded through charitable donations, foundation grants, and corporate equipment/funding partnerships, with cloud-based remote monitoring for larger installations.
Is Empowered By Light a public or private company?
Empowered By Light is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Empowered By Light founded?
Empowered By Light was founded in 2011. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Empowered By Light based?
Empowered By Light is headquartered in Larkspur, United States, in the North America region.
How does Empowered By Light make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are foundation Grants and Major Gifts, corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships and employer Matching Gifts.
Who are Empowered By Light's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Barefoot College, M-KOPA, d.light, We Care Solar, GivePower Foundation and SolarAid. Emerging players are Sun King (Greenlight Planet), GRID Alternatives, BBOXX and Zola Electric.
Does Empowered By Light have an API?
No public API is recorded for Empowered By Light.
What industry is Empowered By Light in?
Empowered By Light's product category is Renewable Energy Access Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMAJAB, Microgrid Development, EPC & Integration, with a secondary code of EUACALAC, Community Microgrids & Shared Distributed Generation. Its NAICS code is 221114 and its SIC code is 4991.