Light for Liberia Project Empowers Students to Launch Solar Energy Businesses

The Light for Liberia project continues to demonstrate how engineering education can drive meaningful community development. Supported by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a network of private investors, the initiative aims to expand access to clean energy by equipping students with the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to build sustainable solar‑based businesses in developing regions.

To address the specific needs of learners in Yekepa, Liberia, the team designed a hands‑on educational program centered around a custom solar laboratory kit. This kit enables students to learn through practical experimentation—assembling, testing, and troubleshooting real photovoltaic systems while gaining confidence in system design and maintenance.

In Fall 2024, Prof. Charles Hunt traveled to Liberia to teach the first full implementation of the curriculum. His in‑person instruction, combined with the program’s experiential approach, empowered students to apply their new skills immediately. As a direct outcome, a group of students launched a small business providing solar energy solutions to local mining companies—an important step toward expanding energy access and fostering economic growth in the region.

The research group continues to develop new educational materials, training modules, and community‑focused tools to support energy access and entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like Lights for Liberia, the team remains committed to promoting sustainable development and strengthening local capacity through education and innovation.