In many parts of the developing world smoky, unhealthy kerosene lanterns are the norm. These lanterns are expensive to operate and are known to cause health problems, fires, collectively contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and the light produced is inadequate.

The aim of this project is to provide safe, effective, and efficient lighting for people who are off the electric grid and those who may only have sporadic electricity available due to ineffective energy infrastructures. In reference to the trimtab principle, we envision our lighting solution as a bottom-up approach. This project can produce massive change by bringing great life improvement on an individual or family basis. It addresses the pressing issue of lighting one village at a time. The scalability of this however, is enormous. We are giving the solution directly to the people who need it. Once it is in their hands, there is an enormous potential to reach the hands of millions of people across the globe in need of proper lighting. This project will start as a small, local initiative and hit a tipping point to spread to far and wide.

The Sustainable Lighting Solution is a viable strategy to provide a quality light in any type of situation. Currently, the system is composed of four pieces: solar panel, light core, shade, & frame (all pieces are dust and waterproof).

SOLAR PANEL: Provides the primary source of energy that is stored in rechargeable NiMH batteries inside the light core.

LIGHT CORE: The primary light source that can be used in a variety of positions and situations. It can be used alone as a hand-held light for traveling. Combined with the shade (see below), it can be used as a table, wall, or ceiling light. The body of the light core is made of a durable polypropylene that is able to withstand rough situations.

It uses one high-intensity, white LED. The LED produces up to 140 lumens as compared to about 40 lumens of a kerosene lamp. It has an operational life of 50,000 hours and is enormously more energy efficient than kerosene. The LED operates at three stages of brightness. The lowest level prolongs the battery life the longest and still produces an adequate amount of usable light. The LED produces light at a color temperature of 6500K; it is a cold, bluish white light, which is not that flattering for skin tones. The kerosene light temperature is about 2000K; a much warmer light that renders skin tones better. Taking this into consideration, a warming filter is incorporated into the lens of the light core. The filter gives the white LED light a subtle, but noticeable shift in warmth which makes it better suited to use in social settings on a daily basis.

SHADE: Spreads and softens light & shadows. Light from a bare white LED is very bright & harsh to the eyes and produces dark, sharp shadows. The harsh shadows can interfere with certain tasks. The shade solves these problems by creating a more comfortable wash of light. It is actually as much of a reflector as it is a shade for the light. Shining the LED directly into the shade produces a very acceptable indirect light. It eliminates the "blinding effect" by blocking direct line of sight to the bare LED. It also softens shadows which allows for better viewing of tasks.

FRAME: Connects the light core to the shade and gives the whole system a structure. The frame holds the shade in its 3D shape by providing a surface area for the shade to clip onto. The shade has die-cuts that hook and press-fit onto the frame to create a secure connection. The light core has similar features (grooves) molded into its body that enable it to be "keyed" into the frame and held firmly. The frame also provides a handle for carrying the entire system (reflecting the handle of a kerosene lantern) if needed, and it presents a spot to be hung from.

This system can effectively replace kerosene lanterns in numerous parts of the developing world and eliminate the inherent dangers associated with kerosene. It is designed to be even more versatile, and just as simple to use. One obvious stumbling block is the aspect of cost. It is tough to establish a system like this when people are only making a couple dollars a day. This fact was taken under great consideration during the design of the system. Efforts were made to make the cost as low as possible while maintaining a high aesthetic, optimal light output, and ease of use. The initial expense of the Sustainable Lighting Solution ($50) is much higher than the cost of a kerosene lantern ($4). However, the actual operating cost of the Lighting Solution is virtually $0; there is no fuel to purchase, save for a new set of batteries about every two years ($4). The operational cost of the kerosene lantern far exceeds this at about $52 per year (figuring 1 liter of kerosene = $1 and use is 1 liter per week). A core element of sustainable practices is long-term thinking. The Sustainable Lighting Solution is proposed to last for a term of 10 years at a cost of about $100 (including possible maintenance). A kerosene lantern with the same lifetime would cost about $550 (excluding cost of health hazards).

The benefits over kerosene lanterns are as follows:
-Safety (eliminates fires, smoke inhalation, skin irritations, health hazards)
-Light quality increased
-Versatility (can be used in more positions)
-Long-term cost savings
-Lessens green house gases
-Weather resistant
-Promotes development (ability to study & work later and introduces people to energy solutions)

Compared in such real terms, this Lighting Solution is vastly more cost effective than kerosene lanterns. Of course, that initial expense is still something to address. Working with NGO's and microfinance loans will enable people to purchase the lighting solution. To help get it to market, the funding from the BFI will give us a strong push in getting this project to take a foot hold by helping with much of the initial cost of manufacture and distribution of the lights. We intend for this project to be funded based on the sale of the lighting systems and donations by outside parties. Our intention is to create a viable market within South Africa where lights and relevant components can be sold for reasonable pricing. There will be a small profit margin that will put money back into the project to allow it to continue. The money taken in will also support local people who are working to distribute the lights. We will also begin to expand our product range into different levels of lights at different prices to open market opportunities further. We expect to cover our operational costs in 3 years after the project has been implemented.

In order to implement this solution, we will run through a series of phases of development and assessment as follows:
Phase I – Design refinements to the lighting system/Better heat management of LED/Shade- increase structural integrity, improve attachment to frame/Frame- lighten material use to lessen cost, improve attachment to shade/Explore other design changes to reduce costs
Phase II – Prototype short run of units for field testing, assessment, and feedback/Meet local people/Distribute and setup the lighting systems (small scale trials)/Educate people in the technology & operation of lighting system/Setup channels of communication for feedback/Setup local sales channels and microfinancing to distribute lights
Phase III – Make any necessary changes from feedback/Solidify sales channels/Manufacture and distribution/Further education on light as necessary
Phase IV – Assess impact of light/Make any relevant changes/Contact other areas of interest/Begin distribution in other areas

The designers of this project (Jeff Bare and Justin Johnsen) are trained in industrial design and have worked intensely on developing this light to work well with people in everyday life. They are also quick, business-savvy individuals who will be working first hand to bring this project through manufacture to distribution. Jeff and Justin also have working strategic partnerships with the following businesses and organizations: Green LLC. is a consultancy that helps businesses become more sustainable and strives to solve some of the worlds pressing needs. HIDO is an NGO based in France that provides information and product development for people who lack basic needs. TaTEDO is an NGO based in Tanzania providing sustainable energy solutions. With this strong network of dedicated people, we have a firm desire to establish better lighting for people worldwide.