Solanterns offers smoke-free, brighter solar lanterns at a lower cost than kerosene lamps; thus, health risks, and fire and environmental hazards are reduced, and investment opportunities are created for micro-entrepreneurs. Solaterns builds on exiting institutional distribution channels and rental services to reach poor customers and convince people to go solar. High-visibility brand stores, cooperative societies, micro-finance institutions and others serve as sales points, partly offering financing for the purchase. Youths are trained as micro-entrepreneurs to rent out lanterns to households who cannot affort the upfront investment. Over three years, households can either spend US$ 146 on kerosene or US$ 25 on a solar lantern.