Solar Powered Lamps: D.light Design

D.light design

Solar powered lamps are a necessary device in many locations around the world that are too remote to be connected to the electric grid.  Nearly 1/4 of the global population lacks electricity!  Millions more are affected by blackouts each day.

D.light Design is one company that is literally lighting up the lives of people in these affected areas.  Its solar lamps cost only $10-$25, and are far safer – and more effective – than kerosene.  Given the fact that many potential customers live in India and Africa, D.light Design’s CEO Sam Goldman is working to lower the cost even further!

What makes these solar powered lamps unique?  According to the website:

“Using cutting-edge technology from Silicon Valley, D.light products provide safe and high-quality replacements for kerosene lanterns, emergency lamps as well as other hazardous or unreliable power sources. Through thousands of hours of field research and continuous contact with our customers, we have a deep understanding of our customers needs. An example is the tough durability of our products designed to accommodate heavy handling by our customers in highly variable climates. Our products are currently being sold in India and throughout Africa, with market tests ongoing around the world.”

Solar powered lamps literally provide a brighter future

Solar powered lamps are a superior alternative to kerosene for a number of reasons.  Safety is number one.  Huts and villages are often lost to fires that occur as a result of kerosene lamps.  With high winds and rain, lamps may tip over, igniting deadly fires.

Cost is also high on the list.  Impoverished people may spend 1/3 of their income on the costly fuel for kerosene lamps.  At the current cost, a D.light Design lamp will pay for itself in a matter of months, allowing the families to invest in education or pay for other necessities, instead of kerosene.

“United Nations Development Program (UNDP) studies demonstrate that families with improved lighting have up to a 30% increase in income due to increased productivity at night.”

Finally, indoor air quality is significantly improved.  Kerosene gives off noxious fumes when burned.  Alternatively, solar lamps are clean and safe.  The environment as a whole is helped, as well:

“Kerosene lamps are responsible for over 100 million tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Every D.light lamp purchased can completely replace a kerosene lamp.”

The quality of light produced by a D.light design lamp is impressive.  Consider this before and after video of an Indian girl trying to study:

D.light Design, along with the developers of the SunNight Solar Flashlight, is a shining example of how a relatively small investment can make a huge difference in the lives of people.  Its latest model can even recharge phone batteries, increasing its utility as an emergency device.

While its exciting to read about responsible, green companies like this, it feels even better to help the cause!  If you want to help provide light for the 1.6 billion people who live without electricity, yet earn less than $1 a day, your donation can help send solar powered lamps to the neediest people.

100% of the donations to the “Give Light Program” help the affected households obtain solar lighting.  Donate now

Tags: d.light design, give light program, sam goldman, silicon valley, solar lamp, solar powered lamps