Solar power brings electricity to poor Syrian villages Poor villagers in rural Syria are buying electric light bulbs for the first time. Remote communities are stretching their days and economic potential with solar energy in place of more costly and polluting traditional fuels. Rural electrification has been made possible with the supported of the Governments of Japan and Syria, and by the United Nations Development Programme. Illuminated homes and streets allow businesses to stay open and children to do homework after hours. Villages now have television and other electrically-powered appliances.
Families now wash in warm water during the winter.
Reduced risk of ill health from the fumes of traditional energy sources. Lower power generation costs. Existing traditional power plants cause health problems for the population because of sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions. New plants would increase the emission of carbon dioxide, contributing to global climate change.