Let there be light! For some, that’s as easy as flipping a switch. Yet, many people around the world find a steady source of light is a precious commodity. Enter Manuel Wiechers Banuet, a young engineer on a mission to bring light to the masses — literally. Inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps as a businessman, Banuet is combining his entrepreneurial spirit with the desire to do good.

Buoyed by a vision of “no Mexican without light” by 2025, the social entrepreneur co-founded Iluméxico, a non-profit whose goal is to eliminate energy poverty in Banuet’s native country. Iluméxico performs the bulk of its work in the rural areas of Mexico, installing solar panels to power LED lights and small appliances in a cheap, environmentally friendly fashion.

Although the Mexican government provides energy to the country, there are still approximately 600,000 households that have been left in the dark. According to Banuet, “The lack of electricity removes people from progress and has an impact on the economy, education, health and gender.” To combat this problem, Banuet is implementing a three-pronged attack: closely monitoring the solar panels, engaging local government and fostering community development via educational outreach. This strategy aims to teach Iluméxico users the importance of using clean technologies. Initially relying on government subsidies, the non-profit has been steadily switching over to a low-cost payment program for its subscribers. A part of the resulting profit is funneled back into the community, thus allowing for continued growth.

Since its inception in 2009, Banuet and Iluméxico have installed over 1,000 solar panels with an ambitious goal of reaching 4,000 panels in 2013 and the world has noticed. Banuet has been recognized in Forbes “30 Under 30” feature. He’s also won the Santander Prize for Business Innovation, the Rompe Prize for Climate Change as well as being awarded a scholarship from the Dutch government to attend the COP 15 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

We commend Banuet for his tireless work to bring affordable, sustainable energy to his fellow countryman and are sure the young social entrepreneur’s future will be bright.