Let’s face it, most of us have everything we need: shelter, food, an internet connection. Whether you’re still looking for the odd bit of gelt, stocking stuffers, major gifts, or a way to start the new year with a clean conscience, why not donate to a solar charity in honor of a friend or loved one? When it comes to charitable donations, you naturally want to choose an organization that’s reputable and resonates with you. We assume if you’re reading this website, you have a solid interest in the value of solar power. So consider giving to these worthy causes (and many more are to be found at a click of the search button):

• The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) seeks “to provide solar power and wireless communications to a quarter of the world’s population living in energy poverty“. Working with the belief that access to energy is “a human right”, SELF brings over 18 years of experience in renewables and community projects to install solar photovoltaic systems and provide “mesh” internet access in health centers, schools, and agricultural villages in many countries within Africa and Asia (not to mention two projects on domestic shores: the Navajo Nation and New Orleans). Headquarters: Washington, DC.
  
• SolarAid believes “that the two most important threats facing humanity today are climate change and global poverty.” To this end, the charity founded in 2006 focuses on providing solar power to sub-Saharan African communities. Solar power in these communities allows for water pumping, refrigeration (of food and medicines), and of course light and power for homes, businesses, and farms. SolarAid supports “DIY” solar projects and training as a more sustainable contribution than simply equipment. Headquarters: London, England.
• SolarCharities limits itself to one sphere: education. Believing that the next generation needs to grow up cognizant of the importance of renewable energy, this organization uses funds to establish photovoltaic systems on the roofs of public schools. This charity is on a very small scale indeed: its goal is a tiny $15k for 2008, and its aim right now is to take care of home base Appleton, Wisconsin first before expanding outwards. But you have to start somewhere, right? Headquarters: Appleton, WI.
• The Central American Solar Energy Project works with women in Central America to get solar cookers into their communities, educating them about community organization as well as providing a way to prepare food that saves both precious firewood and time. In an interesting twist on the solar oven org, CASEP works with the women involved to build each oven from locally available materials. Operating in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala Headquarters: Charlottesville, VA.
• ASES, the American Solar Energy Society, is a departure from the above charities. A nonprofit that works tirelessly to promote domestic research and adoption of solar technologies, ASES coordinates education, advocacy, and collaboration among its solar professional members, government officials, and the public. Headquarters: Boulder, CO.

So why spend $100 on a gold-plated electric pepper grinder for the person who has everything? (Don’t laugh. They exist.) Let your money give a real gift, to someone who really needs it, and make a statement about your support for the future of solar energy worldwide while you’re at it.