RS Group Partners with SolarAid to Deliver Solar Light to 150,000 People in Africa

RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of high-service products and solutions for industrial customers, has announced a three-year partnership with international development charity SolarAid. The collaboration aims to raise £1 million to deliver clean, safe solar lights to 150,000 people living in rural African communities without access to electricity.

The partnership is a core component of RS Group’s 2030 ESG action plan, reflecting the shared ambition to “make amazing happen for a brighter world.” By leveraging corporate donations, matched funding, RS PRO product contributions, employee fundraising, and gifts in kind, RS Group will accelerate SolarAid’s mission to develop thriving solar businesses that tackle poverty and support the transition to renewable energy.

The Impact of a Single Solar Light

A single solar light can transform a household, cutting kerosene, candle, or torch use by 90%, reducing energy costs by 95%, and enabling children to study safely after sunset. Solar lighting also significantly lowers carbon emissions: a single paraffin candle emits three times its weight in CO₂, while a kerosene lamp produces over one tonne of CO₂ over three years.

Employee Engagement at the Heart of the Partnership

RS Group and SolarAid are aligned in their focus on renewables and low-carbon solutions. RS employees worldwide will be encouraged to participate through skills-based volunteering, fundraising, and awareness initiatives, including:

• Skills-based volunteering: Supporting SolarAid projects, such as improving its Repair App, which extends the lifespan of solar lights and reduces waste.

• On-the-ground engagement: Opportunities to visit SolarAid-supported communities in Malawi and Zambia, and hosting SolarAid representatives in RS markets for live demonstrations.

• Active for Change: A global fundraising challenge where teams raise money through logged physical activity.

Employees are entitled to two annual volunteering days, and RS Group aims for 50% participation, empowering colleagues to contribute directly to communities and the SolarAid partnership.

Bridging Ambition with Proven Impact

SolarAid’s Light a Village initiative in Kasakula, Malawi, demonstrates the tangible results possible through such partnerships. On 26 August 2025, all households, schools, and the local health clinic gained solar access, proving that 100% energy access is achievable in remote, underserved communities.

A Brighter Future Through Collaboration

Andrea Barrett, Chief Sustainability Officer at RS Group, commented:

“We are proud to partner with SolarAid on this mission. Clean, safe solar light is a catalyst for education, safety, and opportunity. By combining the passion of our people with the innovation of our customers and suppliers, we can make amazing happen for communities that need it most. The success in Kasakula shows that universal energy access is not just possible—it’s scalable.”

John Keane, CEO of SolarAid, added:

“We are delighted to work with RS Group. Our shared purpose and alignment from the start has been clear. Together, we have the opportunity to bring sustainable energy access to the most remote communities, delivering clean, safe light and empowering local populations.”

Driving Long-Term Impact

The partnership builds on RS Group’s history of impactful collaborations, including raising nearly £1 million for The Washing Machine Project since 2020. By engaging employees, customers, and suppliers, and matching their contributions, RS Group and SolarAid aim to create a movement of shared purpose and innovation, amplifying long-term impact for communities across Africa.