Solar-Powered Light Bulb Shines in the Developing World

Change.org   
July 13th, 2010

by Kate Darlington

In parts of the world where electricity is a). too expensive b). non-existent or c). always being cut off by power rationing, candles and kerosene light the way for everyday tasks such as cooking, schoolwork and cleaning. For those of us accustomed to on-demand electric light, reading by the light of a flickering lantern might seem a bit romantic. But for the quarter of the world that burns fuel for light on a daily basis, doing so is a serious hazard. Not only do fuel-burning lamps produce carbon emissions equivalent to those released by 30 million cars per year, they also create significant indoor air pollution, while users risk burns and fire.

That’s why Denver-based inventor Stephen Katsaros and his company Nokero have started manufacturing the first ever solar-powered light bulb, the N100. Each bulb costs about $15 retail — a lofty price for someone living on $2 a day (the company’s target consumer). However, considering the fact that kerosene-burners spend an average of 5% of their annual income on the fuel, such bulbs are a worthy investment.

The N100 — which is durable, portable, and waterproof — is estimated to last about five years. The LED technology shines about five times brighter than kerosene and produces 2-4 hours of light after the bulb is turned on. To recharge it, you simply hang it in the sunlight during the day. ”This product takes us out of darkness. With light we could study, we could cook. It will change people’s lives,” says James Marshall, a Liberian who plans onPlugins introducing the Nokero bulb to his home country through his own company, Africana SunPower.

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