Socioeconomic factors
Having solar lighting was described as a quality worthy of respect, with social status being enhanced after gaining access to solar lighting. Participants noted that if their homes were illuminated, this would convey their elevated status to people from other communities.
Given its apparent visibility, especially compared to other forms of household energy, the household solar lighting system was considered a very public symbol. This, in turn, garnered further admiration from others and improved individual’s status by many in the community.

In addition, having access to renewable energy positioned participants in an “elevated” status, by helping others in their communities charge mobile phones.

While lack of lighting and darkness were understood as markers of impoverishment, lighting was seen as a symbol of wealth. Some participants expected that lack of lighting draws associations with being poor and “lazy” from their community:



Living without household lighting also led to isolation as other community members were reticent to socialize with households without lighting.

As such, having lighting was an important symbol to demonstrate success and wealth within villages:

