Empowered By Light

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.

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

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

• Solar energy access
• Battery storage microgrids
• Renewable energy nonprofits
• Off-grid community power
• Disaster resilience solar

Headquarters

HQ city

Larkspur

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

Core 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

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Solar AlternativesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 5 December 2025Regional energy firm in New Orleans designed and built solar and battery microgrid system for Hagar's House.
• Footprint ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2025Disaster-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 WatchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 February 2025Partnership to provide off-grid solar power and satellite internet to indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon, improving communication, healthcare, education, and emergency response capabilities.
• FECONAUcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 February 2025Federation of Native Communities of Ucayali partnered on Peruvian Amazon solar and satellite installations for 15 indigenous communities.
• Enphase EnergycoreTechnology or Integration · 16 January 2025Partnered 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 FoundationminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 26 December 2023Donated design and installation of solar system for Portal de Amor Children's Home in Puerto Rico.
• Instituto FronteirascoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 18 October 2023Brazilian nonprofit managed Energy Transition Initiative project locally, coordinating with Empowered by Light on Asháninka community solar installations.
• ION EnergiacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 18 October 2023Brazilian solar developer designed and led solar and battery installations for Asháninka communities in the Amazon.
• HinversolarcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 18 October 2023Local solar installation firm with expertise in geographically isolated villages. Contracted for Peruvian Amazon installations, providing logistical expertise and community training.
• GRID AlternativescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 September 2023Joint 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 SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 13 July 2022Partnered 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 InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2022Native-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 PowercoreTechnology or Integration · 29 July 2021Donated batteries for Akashinga Ranger Program renewable energy system. Provided 45 kWh of energy storage using environmentally benign lithium ferro phosphate battery chemistry.
• Casa PueblocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2018Local 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 InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 October 2017Nation'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 FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 August 2016Collaboration 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.
• TeslacoreTechnology or Integration · 14 August 2016Provided 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.
• ConergyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 May 2016Global 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/lightempowered
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/empoweredbylight
• Facebookfacebook.com/empoweredbylight
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/empowered-by-light
• Instagraminstagram.com/empoweredbylight

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Empowered By Light