Solar power could help alleviate rural poverty. David J. Grimshaw and Sian Lewis shine a light on its progress, potential and pitfalls.

Solar power can light the homes of the off-grid poor, but how can people buy the equipment? Pinaki Roy and Katherine Nightingale report.

Indian researchers propose using a type of algae as a source of biofuel — which could then be 'milked' from specially-designed solar panels.

Poor rural communities in Laos are feeling the benefits of green energy, thanks to the efforts of a local energy company.

Small-scale solar power is taking off in Kenya due to its ease and cost-effectiveness — a welcome change from costly, unreliable electricity.

The oil-rich United Arab Emirates is going green by building a new city powered by solar energy, writes Ahmed A. Elewa.

Solar and wind energy are being used by Namibian rural network providers to power communications base stations, reports BBC Online.

Solar energy remains uncompetitive but a sunnier future may lie ahead, reports Oliver Morton.