SociaLite
SociaLite was created to address specifically the lighting needs of the extreme poor in remote, rural, off-grid communities where the average household income may be less than 25 cents/day. Effectively designed for the middle of nowhere, SociaLite is a self-sustaining community lighting service, affordable at real cost, durable, easily maintained and repaired. The outcome is a robust, standalone product able to withstand the climate and the environment, and usage by those completely unfamiliar with modern technology. Incorporating locally sourced components where available, SociaLite was designed for manufacture, assembly and installation close to the point of use.
SociaLite started life in a fall 2006 first year, first semester, Engineering Design and Problem Solving class (EID101). The challenge to the students was to design a lighting system for the poorest people on the planet. Through grants from the NSF, the EPA, the NCIIA and generous donations from private individuals and our partnership with Wa Polytechnic in North Western Ghana, four communities (about 2000 people) now enjoy clean light with SociaLite lanterns. Individuals and organizations from over thirty countries across the world have expressed interest. A major rollout of the system across Ghana is being discussed as are pilot installations in India and Rwanda.
http://www.detail-online.com/daily/socialite-solar-led-lantern-688/
http://www.prescolite.com/blog/?p=663
http://www.archlighting.com/industry-news.asp?articleID=1674938
https://ieeetv.ieee.org/ieeetv-specials/engineering-for-social-good
Team Members:
Toby Cumberbatch
Funder/Partner/Sponsor:
NCIIA