SELCO drives this change by working with banks and others to unlock finance for end-users, by delivering training, and by partnering with government on large-scale projects and policy innovation.  

The organisation launched as a social enterprise in 1995, selling affordable clean energy products like cookstoves and solar home systems in the state of Karnataka. It has now sold more than 500,000 products, bringing benefits to more than 2 million people. 

Tailored solutions – and focus on finance – boost entrepreneurs

Today SELCO has offices in seven Indian states, with activities in Africa and South East Asia. Its main activities include helping entrepreneurs, particularly women, launch and run businesses using clean energy. SELCO has created access to sewing machines and pottery wheels, blacksmiths’ fans, milking and breadmaking machines, and many more income-boosting devices.  

The organisation supports entrepreneurs with funding and training, and develops new products, including technology for users with disabilities. And its SELCO Incubation arm helps entrepreneurs tailor solutions to the needs of different communities. SELCO partners with rural banks to help them deliver affordable finance for entrepreneurs – and with India’s regional and central governments, so that proven approaches to financing energy access are scaled up nationwide.  

Syed Ghani Khan, a farmer-scientist from Kirugavalu in Mandya district, initially used electric refrigerators to store seeds, but frequent power outages caused many rare seeds to germinate and die, making re-collection difficult. To prevent this, he switched to a solar-powered refrigerator, which runs continuously without electricity costs and ensures reliable seed preservation.

“With proper drying and cool storage, seeds can last over seven to eight years,” Khan says. “Solar refrigeration makes this possible, especially in rural areas.”

Better healthcare for 6 million people

SELCO’s work with government has seen renewable energy feature in national policies for textile enterprises and other small businesses. The organisation also collaborated with four state governments to deliver solar energy at health facilities – creating safer births and operations, better vaccine storage, and many other benefits. SELCO’s role includes planning tailored solutions for each clinic, and buying, installing and maintaining equipment. 

To do this it has drawn on its expertise in engineering, operations, finance and community engagement – and its close ties with financial institutions, who funded much of the work. Altogether, its initiatives have strengthened healthcare for more than 6 million people. 

In every part of its work, SELCO’s prioritises finding the right solution for individual clients and communities – rather than imposing specific technologies, or a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Its impact includes providing training for 25,000 people, from entrepreneurs to policymakers and NGO staff. In urban neighbourhoods and remote islands, it has given communities the chance to build their resilience and work for a better future. And after decades of success, it is a respected voice delivering insights and consultancy to energy access stakeholders around the world.

How as Ashden’s support helped SELCO?

SELCO previously won Ashden Awards in 2005 and 2007. These wins helped it build partnerships with regional governments in Karnataka, Goa and West Bengal, and with national government. These partnerships have been instrumental in scaling up solar energy through the country’s institutions. This scaling up includes exploring the potential of renewable power in a diverse range of sectors. 

Award wins also helped unlock partnership with global development organisations, such as GIZ and the United Nations Development Programme, and finance from e+co, the Lemelson Foundation, and Good Energies.

Visit Selco’s website here.

Check out the rest of our fantastic winners from the 2025 Ashden Awards here.