Purpose of the foundation, based in Freiburg i. Br. is the promotion of development aid, environmental protection, education and the implementation of projects in these fields. Since 2004, the Solar Energy Foundation has been involved in providing solar energy for rural development and poverty alledment in developing countries in Africa and Asia, especially Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and the Philippines.
Its aim is to create a self-sustaining solar trade in the partner countries that reliably and permanently supplies people with solar energy and contributes to the economic growth of the partner country.
Local foundations exist in Ethiopia, Kenya and the Philippines. In Uganda, the Solar Energy Foundation supports a cooperative of local solar entrepreneurs. The Foundation has received numerous awards for its exemplary work.