Let There d.light: How One Social Enterprise Brought Solar Products to 100 Million People

by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, Jacqueline Novogratz (Foreword)

In 2004, in a village in Benin, West Africa, an eleven-year-old boy was badly burned in a kerosene accident. Peace Corps volunteer Sam Goldman, who lived near the boy's family, was horrified. Kerosene lanterns were dim, dangerous, and expensive sources of light. How was it possible that, in the twenty-first century, 1.6 billion people still did not have access to electricity?Sam's search for a solution drove him to business school at Stanford University, where he met Ned Tozun, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and three engineers. Their class project became d.light, a for-profit social enterprise that has provided quality, affordable solar solutions to 100 million off-grid people around the world.Let There d.light traces the unlikely, unpredictable journey to build one of the world's most successful social enterprises. This is an in-depth case study with invaluable business learnings, as well as an adventurous story of risk, near misses, and the occasional miracle. This unflinchingly honest account of the d.light team's failures and successes will fundamentally shift the conversation about whether socially minded businesses can work--to how they can transform the world.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2020

About the author

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer, editor, speaker, and international communications consultant. Previously, she was a columnist for Inc.com. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, BlogHer, The Entrepreneurial Leader, and dozens of other publications in the U.S. and Asia. She currently serves as the editorial director of the Asian American Christian Collaborative.

Dorcas has more than a decade of experience as a nonprofit and social enterprise professional. She served as the first director of communications for d.light, one of the world's leading social enterprises. A Silicon Valley native, she has lived in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Kenya. She and her entrepreneur husband, d.light cofounder Ned Tozun, have been married for fifteen years and have two young sons.
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Dorcas has a BA in communication and an MA in sociology from Stanford University, as well as a professional editing certificate from the University of California, Berkeley.

Reviews

[Isra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let There d.light made me realize I am exactly where I want to be in my career. The book captures the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing your hard work is contributing to improved livelihoods and a better planet. No matter how challenging impact driven work becomes, there is meaning in seeing tangible change and the book is a reminder to keep focusing on that impact and not lose sight of it.

In my view, the story of d.light highlights the immense potential within Africa and other emerging markets and reinforces why this work matters. The perseverance of the founders Sam and Ned is remarkable and their ability to build practical, scalable products that reach millions is equally impressive. Overall, this book is both inspiring and affirming for anyone committed to social enterprise and long term impact.

[Heather Caliri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gripped by this fascinating account of d.light, an energy firm that now provides solar power and products to 100 million people. Cheng-Tozun's narrative helped me understand how a simple product, like a life, can affect education, health, and finance in developing economies. It also was tremendously inspiring to watch committed entrepreneurs use their technical skills AND compassion to serve customers that the global economy often ignores. The truth is that "consumer" culture CAN bring blessing to people and honor their needs and dignity. This account is a timely reminder about how entrepreneurship can bring positive change if it focuses on deep values of love, service, and innovation.

[Niku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Very well written with true examples and pictures which made the reality come to life. Thank you for writing about your journey and it has truly inspired me to do something more with my entrepreneurial journey.

I definitely recommend this book for those journing into the starting their own business, the book will give you enough umph to keep going.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read of one company’s ability to literally change the world. Even though I’m not a huge business reader, this story was gripping!