For many students in Malawi, a lack of electricity limits educational opportunities. However, solar technology in Malawi is helping schools overcome these challenges, providing reliable power, expanding access to digital learning and creating better learning environments. Solar energy could help address this gap, as an estimated 75% of Malawi’s population lives on $3 a day or less, illustrating how limited energy access and poverty can overlap in the country.

Bringing Electricity to Rural Schools

Many schools in Malawi are not connected to a reliable electrical grid. As of 2026, only 3.8% of rural households were connected to the national grid, according to the World Bank. Limited energy access is particularly challenging in rural communities in Malawi, where poverty is more widespread than in urban areas. Solar panels could help address electricity challenges these schools face without requiring major grid infrastructure. Solar power gives rural students access to resources that schools in more developed areas already have.

Without electricity, studying can become very difficult after the sun goes down. Solar-powered lights allow students to complete homework in the evening, giving them more time to study. This extra time could potentially allow schools to hold additional classes and study sessions. Solar power gives students more usable hours in their day for education. In Chang’ombe, a rural community in Malawi, students have reported improved test scores after gaining access to study at night, and teachers have observed a reduction in absences since electricity became available at their school.

Expanding Access to Digital Learning

Solar electricity can power online educational materials like computers, tablets and internet equipment that may not have otherwise been available in rural communities. Access to computers and tablets allows teachers to use digital resources for students, which can support the improvement of digital literacy. Solar systems allow schools to consistently charge these devices, making digital learning possible in schools that remain disconnected. Solar energy does more than turn the lights on; it allows rural students to connect to information and opportunities beyond their communities.

Creating Better Learning Environments

Solar technology in Malawi can provide electricity to rural classrooms, allowing them to have reliable lighting, fans and projectors. Better school facilities may make students more likely to attend and participate as the learning environments are more favorable. Improving the physical classroom can help enhance the overall educational experience. In Chang’ombe, teachers reported a reduction in absences after electricity became available. The benefits of solar power extend past lighting the classroom; it shows a direct correlation to attendance.

Solar technology is helping improve education all across Malawi, especially in rural communities. These improvements largely revolve around four areas: electricity, longer study hours, digital learning and better learning environments. Despite this progress, challenges remain, including funding, maintenance and the need for continued investment. Solar technology in Malawi is not only providing electricity – it is helping create new opportunities for Malawi’s next generation. As organizations continue expanding renewable energy to rural communities, solar energy has the potential to bring educational opportunities to thousands of students who are still unable to access online platforms.

– Tyler Rothwell

Tyler is based in Lexington, VA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr