Smaller! Brighter! Cheaper! d.light has done it again! Say hello to the latest member of the d.light family – the S1.
With the launch of the S1 solar lantern, d.light’s impact is reaching a whole new level. The S1 is the world’s most affordable quality solar lantern, listed at only $8. This durable, bright, safe and reliable light beckons the world to abandon unhealthy and costly kerosene that cripples families incomes, pollutes homes and environments, and causes countless numbers of burns.
After a full day’s charge in the sun, the S1 can provide up to four hours of bright light. Easy to use, hang and carry, the lantern is equipped with an adjustable handle. The handle both helps to position the solar panel to effectively catch sunlight, and to focus the light at night. With a charging facility that can also be used with AC power, the S1 can also a useful commodity for grid-connected households as well.
Perhaps the S1’s greatest impact will be in education. A World Bank study in Sudan found that pass rates doubled after students used solar lighting for one year. Similarly, d.light conducted a pilot in India in which 100 percent of 275 students surveyed said they regularly studied with the d.light S1, and all of them experienced benefits including increased productivity, cleaner air inside the home, and reduced risk of fire. We expect that this product along with other innovations from d.light will help bring light, health and dignity to off-grid families for years to come.
Ravi Kumar is an Energy Portfolio Intern in Acumen Fund’s India office.
Images from d.light.
Wonderful! How widely (in terms of retail distribution channels) is the S1 avaialable in India?