Developing A Next Generation Solar Lantern

Panel Presentation: Energy
Author: Chris White

Institution: University of Cambridge
Developing
Keywords
Solar Lantern, Off-Grid Lighting, Kerosene,

Abstract
The Glowstar lantern was developed to meet the needs of the 1.6 billion people worldwide who live without electricity and
depend on kerosene for lighting. The lantern has sold in large numbers across the world but has not achieved the levels
expected or fulfilled the need. This project examines the Glowstar project and attempts to identify the reasons for it not
meeting expectations. In addition a new desi
The Glowstar lantern is regarded as a high performance and quality product but the price (US$150) at which it is sold is
too high. This combined with a limited distribution network put the product out of the rea
at which the development was targeted. A new design of lantern is presented that comprises three multi
and flexible modules that provide the functionality of a solar lantern for a projected cost of US$50 while
higher powers and better performance and providing auxiliary functions.

Introduction
Worldwide 1.6 billion people live without access to electricity
for light after dark. Kerosene for lighting can absorb up to 15% of household income and produces very poor quality light.
Grid expansion is expensive and happening very slowly and so a new solution was sought. In 2003 the Glowstar lantern
was released to market. Developed by Practic
company Sollatek Ltd, it was designed to serve the worlds poorest people by providing low cost, high quality lighting to
eliminate the need for kerosene lanterns. The Glowstar is a
battery that continues to sell worldwide but has never enjoyed the success that was anticipated and has not spread as far
as the need for improved lighting. This project investigates the reasons fo
case study for the global situation and seeks to design and prototype a lantern that can meet the needs of the target
market more successfully.

Solar Lighting
The provision of electric lighting can provide a
productivity resulting from an extended working day, enabling children to study effectively after dark, reducing
expenditure on consumables and improving the health of the whole fami
Electric lighting can also improve business performance through the extension of working and trading hours and improved
conditions from brighter and more consistent light.
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are well suited
insolation. In addition PV systems can be low maintenance and installed in a variety of situations. The main drawback in
this context is the price which is falling as the global
income levels of the poorest people.
The challenges with the cost of PV systems can be combated through the development of small scale PV appliances
dubbed micro or Pico PV that can be produced at a cost that is compatible with rural household income in developing
countries. The solar lantern is one example of this that offers the potential to meet this large market.

Methods
The work in this project falls broadly into two areas, first
development of a new lantern. The research into the Glowstar project focused around a field trip to Kenya to investigate
the market performance of Glowstar and obtain opinions from across the di
distributers, agents and end users as well as NGOs working in related areas. The trip was also used develop an
understanding of the general state of the off
research using reports and papers produced by a wide range of stakeholders in the Glowstar project and the off
lighting market in general.
The development of a new lantern followed on from the first phase, using the knowledge of the market
design. Consideration has also been given to the distribution and marketing of a solar lantern.

EWB-UK National Research & Education Conference 2011

Developing a next generation solar lantern
Chris White
University of Cambridge

Grid Lighting, Kerosene,
. The lantern has sold in large numbers across the world but has not achieved the levels
meeting expectations. In addition a new design for a lantern is developed and presented.
too high. This combined with a limited distribution network put the product out of the reach of the rural poor households
at which the development was targeted. A new design of lantern is presented that comprises three multi
and flexible modules that provide the functionality of a solar lantern for a projected cost of US$50 while
higher powers and better performance and providing auxiliary functions.
Worldwide 1.6 billion people live without access to electricity [1], relying on expensive and dangerous kerosene lanterns
e for lighting can absorb up to 15% of household income and produces very poor quality light.
was released to market. Developed by Practical Action Consulting (formerly ITC) and produced and distributed by solar
eliminate the need for kerosene lanterns. The Glowstar is a solar charged compact fluorescent lantern with a lead acid
as the need for improved lighting. This project investigates the reasons for Glowstars level of success using Kenya as a
The provision of electric lighting can provide a boost to families attempting to break away from poverty through increased
expenditure on consumables and improving the health of the whole family by removing exposure to kerosene smoke.
conditions from brighter and more consistent light.
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are well suited to applications in the developing world as many areas receive high levels of
this context is the price which is falling as the global market develops but is still high, especially when compared to the
produced at a cost that is compatible with rural household income in developing
The work in this project falls broadly into two areas, firstly the investigation of the Glowstar project and secondly the
the market performance of Glowstar and obtain opinions from across the distribution network from importers,
understanding of the general state of the off-grid lighting market in Kenya. This field trip was complimented
research using reports and papers produced by a wide range of stakeholders in the Glowstar project and the off
The development of a new lantern followed on from the first phase, using the knowledge of the market
design. Consideration has also been given to the distribution and marketing of a solar lantern.
UK National Research & Education Conference 2011
Our Global Future
4
th
March 2011
28
. The lantern has sold in large numbers across the world but has not achieved the levels
ch of the rural poor households
at which the development was targeted. A new design of lantern is presented that comprises three multi-purpose smart
and flexible modules that provide the functionality of a solar lantern for a projected cost of US$50 while being scalable to
, relying on expensive and dangerous kerosene lanterns
e for lighting can absorb up to 15% of household income and produces very poor quality light.
al Action Consulting (formerly ITC) and produced and distributed by solar
solar charged compact fluorescent lantern with a lead acid
r Glowstars level of success using Kenya as a
boost to families attempting to break away from poverty through increased
ly by removing exposure to kerosene smoke.
to applications in the developing world as many areas receive high levels of
market develops but is still high, especially when compared to the
produced at a cost that is compatible with rural household income in developing
ly the investigation of the Glowstar project and secondly the
stribution network from importers,
grid lighting market in Kenya. This field trip was complimented by UK based
research using reports and papers produced by a wide range of stakeholders in the Glowstar project and the off-grid
The development of a new lantern followed on from the first phase, using the knowledge of the market to inform the

Author: Chris White
Results and discussion
Glowstar
The Glowstar lantern (Fig 1) is widely regarded in Kenya as a high quality and robust product that performs wel
simple to use. This is backed up by the excellent 5 year warranty offered by
the manufacturer Sollatek. There are some commonly reported faults with
the battery management system leading to reduced battery lifetimes and the
reported lifetimes varied widely between users with some requiring
replacement within a year and others lasting in excess of six years. A clear
theme emerged from many users of disappointment with the battery life.
A technical assessment of a range of solar lanterns undertaken b
placed the Glowstar 7
th
out of the 12 lanterns tested. The
criticised for wrongly designed circuitry and scored poorly on efficiency, run
time and deviation from specifications. The report concluded that
Glowstar failed both the technical test and in terms of value for money. This
unusually heavy and cumbersome lantern was a pioneer of the market
sector, but exhibits defects in workmanship and offers only a poor solar
fraction and modest light duration.
The Glowstar lantern typically sells for around US$100 without a solar
module, rising to US$150 with a solar module which puts it out of reach for
many of the rural poor for whom the lantern was designed. This combined
with a limited distribution network focusing mainly on regi
majority of sales taking place in Nairobi 61 out of 100 last month
regional sales manager for Sollatek) and not on rural areas has
contributed to the poor penetration of the rural market by the Glowstar in
Kenya. Sales of the Glowstar in Kenya are dominated by NGOs who have
the capital available to purchase the lanterns and value their rugged and robust construction. A common use for the
lanterns is in remote field sites in Northern Kenya and South Sudan. This demand has maintained sal
and it appears that Sollatek have settled on pursuing this high margin market rather than actively targeting the rural
mass market.

Glowstar Impacts
The Glowstar lantern has had a number of impacts in the area of off grid lighting whic
reaching than simply providing lighting solutions to poor rural people.
The project successfully developed a good quality lantern that was taken on by a private company and marketed
worldwide. This has been an experiment in par
future.
The direct social impact of the lantern on poor rural people has been very limited due to poor market penetration. Where
the product has been used within this market users repo
lighting. In addition to this most of the users interviewed for this research now have alternative supplies of electricity
installed either from a solar system or mains. This is not a strong b
appears to suggest that the Glowstar lantern was a first step on the energy ladder.
The lantern has been used extensively by NGOs in remote areas and continues to sell today in
worldwide.
The Glowstar was one of the first lanterns designed for this market and as such played a role in establishing the market
that has continued to develop.

Off-Grid Lighting market
The solar market in Kenya is well established and growing with a high level
grid is limited with poor reliability and high costs. This, combined with a growing awareness of environmental concerns,
has led to a high level of enthusiasm for solar power. The government has responded to
introducing strict import standards and rigorous checks to ensure that products are not substandard and has removed
VAT (16%) from solar products.
The wider off grid lighting market is quite broad incorporating solar lanterns, solar h
generators as well as traditional kerosene lamps and candles. In addition new schemes are being trialled based on an
energy kiosk idea where energy is bought as a product from a central kiosk, mini grids covering one village and
generating local power from alternative fuels e.g. biogas.
The solar lantern market is also developing rapidly with two generations of lantern evident. The first generation,
contemporaries of Glowstar, tend to be large CFL and lead acid based lanterns. The
emerging on the market now and is often LED based with a range of prices and power options. The companies producing
the new generation include number of social enterprises including Barefoot Power and Tough Stuff Solar,

The Glowstar lantern (Fig 1) is widely regarded in Kenya as a high quality and robust product that performs wel
simple to use. This is backed up by the excellent 5 year warranty offered by
the manufacturer Sollatek. There are some commonly reported faults with
the battery management system leading to reduced battery lifetimes and the
ed widely between users with some requiring
replacement within a year and others lasting in excess of six years. A clear
theme emerged from many users of disappointment with the battery life.
A technical assessment of a range of solar lanterns undertaken by GTZ [2]
out of the 12 lanterns tested. The Glowstar was
and scored poorly on efficiency, run
time and deviation from specifications. The report concluded that The
he technical test and in terms of value for money. This
unusually heavy and cumbersome lantern was a pioneer of the market
sector, but exhibits defects in workmanship and offers only a poor solar
ypically sells for around US$100 without a solar
module, rising to US$150 with a solar module which puts it out of reach for
many of the rural poor for whom the lantern was designed. This combined
with a limited distribution network focusing mainly on regional centres (the
majority of sales taking place in Nairobi 61 out of 100 last month -
regional sales manager for Sollatek) and not on rural areas has
contributed to the poor penetration of the rural market by the Glowstar in
in Kenya are dominated by NGOs who have
lanterns is in remote field sites in Northern Kenya and South Sudan. This demand has maintained sal
The Glowstar lantern has had a number of impacts in the area of off grid lighting which are potentially much wider
reaching than simply providing lighting solutions to poor rural people.
worldwide. This has been an experiment in partnerships of this nature which will provide interesting lessons for the
the product has been used within this market users reported that the lantern was very useful and replaced kerosene for
installed either from a solar system or mains. This is not a strong basis for conclusions without further research but
appears to suggest that the Glowstar lantern was a first step on the energy ladder.
The lantern has been used extensively by NGOs in remote areas and continues to sell today in
The solar market in Kenya is well established and growing with a high level of awareness of solar power. The extent of the
has led to a high level of enthusiasm for solar power. The government has responded to support the market by
The wider off grid lighting market is quite broad incorporating solar lanterns, solar home systems and fuel based
generating local power from alternative fuels e.g. biogas.
contemporaries of Glowstar, tend to be large CFL and lead acid based lanterns. The new generation of solar lighting is
the new generation include number of social enterprises including Barefoot Power and Tough Stuff Solar,
Figure 1 - Glowstar lantern
Our Global Future
4
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March 2011
29
The Glowstar lantern (Fig 1) is widely regarded in Kenya as a high quality and robust product that performs well and is
lanterns is in remote field sites in Northern Kenya and South Sudan. This demand has maintained sales of the Glowstar,
h are potentially much wider
resting lessons for the
rted that the lantern was very useful and replaced kerosene for
asis for conclusions without further research but
The lantern has been used extensively by NGOs in remote areas and continues to sell today in significant numbers
of awareness of solar power. The extent of the
support the market by
ome systems and fuel based
new generation of solar lighting is
the new generation include number of social enterprises including Barefoot Power and Tough Stuff Solar, but also include
Glowstar lantern

Author: Chris White
some big corporate names including Phillips and Osram. These companies are pursuing enthusiastic marketing and
educational campaigns targeting rural populations with low cost, good quality products that appear to be selling well.
There is a wide range of price points in the market, with some lanterns retailing at UD$10, however these tend to have
low light outputs, providing an improvement on kerosene, but significantly dimmer than Glowstar. There did not appear to
be a direct replacement for Glowstar that offered a similar level of light output, battery life and 360 degree room lighting
in a portable package.

Distribution
For a product to be self sustaining it needs to be sold on a commercial basis. Charity funded give
not self sustaining and they degrade the perceived value of the product with the risk of market spoiling. To quote Tough
Stuff Solar Theres a built in feedback loop when you sell something
just doesnt happen when you give things away.[3]
The Glowstar distribution network in place in Kenya is inadequate for rural market penetration. The product must be
available locally and coupled with knowledgeable advisors for effective distribution.
Utilising the mobile phone distribution network is a possible solution that could provide an extensive distribution network
very rapidly. Partnerships with micro credit agencies and community groups has been explored by the Glowstar project
but could be expanded to provide an effective distribution network by combining a solution to capital availability access to
large numbers of people. A potential method of providing flexible payment programs is through the use of mobile money
transfers that have become widespread across
money.

Next Generation Lantern
Requirements for a next generation lantern
It would seem that little has changed to the requirements for a solar lantern since the market research was car
the Glowstar except for the desire for six hours of light. Detailed market research by Lighting Africa [4, 5] and this projec
research have led to the summary of key requirements as follows:
Cost below $50 and as low as possible
Light Duration minimum of 6 hours on a days charge
Easy to operate and maintain
360 degree light distribution
Some industry experts felt that general room lighting, rather than directional task lighting is a higher priority for
domestic users.

Proposed design
Solar lanterns are a very good first step on
the energy ladder, but they are not a long
term solution and it is likely that customers
will seek to upgrade to higher power
systems with more functionality when their
finances permit, perhaps using the money
saved by not buying kerosene for lighting.
When a larger system is installed the solar
lanterns become redundant, or act as a
backup light source and new lighting
systems are purchased.
This concept aims to improve the scalability
of Pico solar systems and allow them to be
easily upgraded to suit all requirements. The
lighting system concept is described in
Figure 2.
The basis of the system is a smart solar
lighting unit that offers flexibility while
remaining simple to use and maintain. The
basic lantern is split into three elements: the
lamp, Battery pack and solar module. Each
is a standalone appliance and can be used
seamlessly with the others as well as other
products.


a wide range of price points in the market, with some lanterns retailing at UD$10, however these tend to have
for Glowstar that offered a similar level of light output, battery life and 360 degree room lighting
For a product to be self sustaining it needs to be sold on a commercial basis. Charity funded give
Stuff Solar Theres a built in feedback loop when you sell something people only pay for something they want. That
ings away.[3]
available locally and coupled with knowledgeable advisors for effective distribution.
bile phone distribution network is a possible solution that could provide an extensive distribution network
e an effective distribution network by combining a solution to capital availability access to
transfers that have become widespread across Kenya allowing anyone with a mobile phone to electronically transfer
Requirements for a next generation lantern
It would seem that little has changed to the requirements for a solar lantern since the market research was car
the Glowstar except for the desire for six hours of light. Detailed market research by Lighting Africa [4, 5] and this projec
research have led to the summary of key requirements as follows:
below $50 and as low as possible
minimum of 6 hours on a days charge
lar lanterns are a very good first step on
the energy ladder, but they are not a long
term solution and it is likely that customers
systems with more functionality when their
finances permit, perhaps using the money
ed by not buying kerosene for lighting.
When a larger system is installed the solar
This concept aims to improve the scalability
llow them to be
easily upgraded to suit all requirements. The
remaining simple to use and maintain. The
split into three elements: the
lamp, Battery pack and solar module. Each
is a standalone appliance and can be used
seamlessly with the others as well as other
Figure 2 Function diagram of the next generation concept
Our Global Future
4
th
March 2011
30
a wide range of price points in the market, with some lanterns retailing at UD$10, however these tend to have
for Glowstar that offered a similar level of light output, battery life and 360 degree room lighting
For a product to be self sustaining it needs to be sold on a commercial basis. Charity funded give-aways are inherently
people only pay for something they want. That
bile phone distribution network is a possible solution that could provide an extensive distribution network
e an effective distribution network by combining a solution to capital availability access to
Kenya allowing anyone with a mobile phone to electronically transfer
It would seem that little has changed to the requirements for a solar lantern since the market research was carried out for
the Glowstar except for the desire for six hours of light. Detailed market research by Lighting Africa [4, 5] and this project
Figure 2 Function diagram of the next generation concept

Author: Chris White
Lamp
The lamp consists of a high power, high efficiency LED with a driver circuit t
allows the lamp to be run from a 4xAA NiMH battery pack or a 12V lead acid solar battery in a solar home system (SHS).
Therefore if the household upgrades to a SHS they can use their existing high quality la

Battery pack
The battery pack holds four AA NiMH batteries which can be replaced by the owner and used as individual batteries in
other appliances as well as in the battery pack. The battery pack has over
charge controller that will accept power between 6 and 24 volts allowing a range of solar modules to be used to charge it.
This allows seamless upgrading to higher power solar modules without rendering the battery pack useless. The battery
pack can clip into the lamp to provide a single lantern unit, or it can be attached via wires for permanent light fittings in
the house with the batteries at a central location. The battery pack can also be utilised for other applications e.g. phone
charging or powering a radio.

Solar module
The basic lighting pack would be supplied with a 2Wp solar module to minimise cost but as described above any other size
of panel could be used to suit the household budget.

Technical implementation
The prototype design is based around switch
The battery pack employs a micro-controller controlled DC
source) to the charging characteristics of the batt
power output from the solar module and also controlling the charge of the batteries to prevent damage from overcharging
and over discharging. The lamp module uses a DC

Cost
The cost of the parts for the prototype lantern is around 40 (approximately US$65). To produce 1000 prototype lanterns
would reduce the cost per lantern below 35 (approximately US$55). This is still too expe
US$50 as this does not include the casings, transport, mark
market. There are going to be savings in the economies of mass production that will drive the cost down but
to quantify that amount. The total production cost will have to be brought down to around US$25 in order for the final
retail price to be on target, however this should be possible to achieve with the current design.

Return on Investment
Typical running costs are US$2.80 and US$8.06 per month for a simple wick lamp and a hurricane lantern respectively
[5]. At a retail cost of US$50 a solar lantern would have a payback period of 6 to 18 months if seen as a direct
replacement. This is obviously a significant capital outlay necessitating a suitable finance provision to enable poor
households to purchase one. The extra benefits of replacing a kerosene lantern are obviously not accounted for in this
simplistic equation and nor are the addition
likely to use in addition to kerosene lanterns. Once purchased a solar lantern should be expected to operate without any
additional costs for around two years before replacemen

Remaining challenges
Challenges remain over the optimisation of the circuitry to maximise the efficiency and performance of the lantern and
the embodiment of the design into a robust and intuitive package that is easy to us
element that requires further work is the lens to distribute the light into a 360 degree room light. The directional nature o
LEDs makes this difficult to achieve but there are some interesting possible solutions available i
bulb enclosures that achieve a very uniform light distribution through to cheap and simple machined acrylic attachments.


The lamp consists of a high power, high efficiency LED with a driver circuit that allows input voltages of 4 to 15 volts. This
Therefore if the household upgrades to a SHS they can use their existing high quality lamps.
other appliances as well as in the battery pack. The battery pack has over-discharge protection for the batteries and a
to the lamp to provide a single lantern unit, or it can be attached via wires for permanent light fittings in
of panel could be used to suit the household budget.
nd switch-mode DC-DC converters that allow for high efficiency utilisation of energy.
controller controlled DC-DC converter to match the solar module (or other input power
source) to the charging characteristics of the batteries, providing maximum power point tracking to achieve the optimum
and over discharging. The lamp module uses a DC-DC converter to efficiently drive the high brightness LED.
would reduce the cost per lantern below 35 (approximately US$55). This is still too expensive to meet the target of sub
US$50 as this does not include the casings, transport, mark-ups and taxes that will be imposed on a product going to
market. There are going to be savings in the economies of mass production that will drive the cost down but
ously a significant capital outlay necessitating a suitable finance provision to enable poor
simplistic equation and nor are the additional lighting costs such as batteries for torches and candles that a household is
additional costs for around two years before replacement of the batteries is required.
the embodiment of the design into a robust and intuitive package that is easy to use and maintain. One particular
element that requires further work is the lens to distribute the light into a 360 degree room light. The directional nature o
LEDs makes this difficult to achieve but there are some interesting possible solutions available i
Our Global Future
4
th
March 2011
31
hat allows input voltages of 4 to 15 volts. This
discharge protection for the batteries and a
to the lamp to provide a single lantern unit, or it can be attached via wires for permanent light fittings in
DC converters that allow for high efficiency utilisation of energy.
DC converter to match the solar module (or other input power
eries, providing maximum power point tracking to achieve the optimum
iciently drive the high brightness LED.
nsive to meet the target of sub
ups and taxes that will be imposed on a product going to
market. There are going to be savings in the economies of mass production that will drive the cost down but it is difficult
ously a significant capital outlay necessitating a suitable finance provision to enable poor
al lighting costs such as batteries for torches and candles that a household is
e and maintain. One particular
element that requires further work is the lens to distribute the light into a 360 degree room light. The directional nature of
LEDs makes this difficult to achieve but there are some interesting possible solutions available including commercial LED

Author: Chris White
Conclusions
Glowstar pioneered a new market sector ten years ago and was in many ways a ground breaking in
intervening decade great advances have been made in technology that now allows new options to be explored and there
are many factors both social and technological that make a next generation lantern development a very exciting prospect
Technical:
LED technology has developed new, efficient and robust lighting possibilities that are proven in service and
continues to develop rapidly.
A great array of very capable and affordable ICs is now available on the market that can simplify the de
reduce costs.
Battery technology has advanced significantly and continues to expand the options for off
including NiMH and lithium chemistries.
Social:
The need for improved off-grid lighting has not diminished with a huge and un
There is great desire and enthusiasm amongst un
The potential benefits to people are huge and potentially life
There is an unprecedented global focus on off
Access to relevant information is easier than ever before
Governments, communities and individuals are increasingly aware of the potential benefits including
environmental issues resulting from the worldwide concern over climate change.
The coincidence of the above factors makes now a very good time for a new lantern development and indeed there are
many companies in various stages of the process. The design proposed here perhaps offers a new level of modularity and
flexibility of use to the design that can benefit u
With further development this design could form the basis of a high performance, scalable and affordable solar lantern
that can help to address the need for off-
of people through a suitable and scalable development, manufacturing and distribution program building on the lessons
learnt from the Glowstar project and subsequent market experience. A proportion of local manufacture and assembly is a
feasible option given the design of the lantern with benefits for both the host country and the business viability through
improved maintainability, local servicing and building of local skill which may help to stimulate the local market through
indigenous innovation.
The challenges in a lantern development are clearly large and numerous, but not insurmountable. The main
considerations are:
Obtaining funding to pursue the development as returns on investments is likely to be slow due to the nature of
the market and the need to sell many products at low mark
Setting up a successful distribution network which to be effective is likely to be highly labour intensive and
geographically diverse.
Marketing the product successfully to a target group who are geographicall
aware and have little spare cash available.
Making the product affordable by keeping the cost to a minimum and seeking ways to enable poor people to
purchase the product
Building a strong brand through high product performa
For more information please see www.solarclever.co.uk

Acknowledgements
Dr Patrick Palmer, Project supervisor, Cambridge University Engineering Department
Lighting Africa
Sollatek Kenya
Barefoot Power
Practical Action and Practical Action Consulting
Scode Nakuru

References
Chris White. 2010. Developing the Next Generation Solar Lantern. www.solarclever.co.uk
[1] Lighting Africa. Lighting and Development.
http://www.lightingafrica.org/node/326.
[2] GTZ. Grner, Roman, et al. 2009. Solar Lanterns Test: Shades of Light.
[3] Rocky Radar. 2009. Tough Stuff: Bringing Solar to the Developing World.
23 05 2010.] http://www.rockyradar.com/cleantech/?p=341.
[4] Lighting Africa. 2008. Kenya Qualitative Off
[5] Lighting Africa. 2008. Lighting Africa Market Assessment Results: Quantitative Results
Bank, 2008.

Glowstar pioneered a new market sector ten years ago and was in many ways a ground breaking in
are many factors both social and technological that make a next generation lantern development a very exciting prospect
A great array of very capable and affordable ICs is now available on the market that can simplify the de
Battery technology has advanced significantly and continues to expand the options for off
including NiMH and lithium chemistries.
grid lighting has not diminished with a huge and under-served market
There is great desire and enthusiasm amongst un-electrified communities
The potential benefits to people are huge and potentially life-changing
There is an unprecedented global focus on off-grid lighting through projects such as Lighting
Access to relevant information is easier than ever before
environmental issues resulting from the worldwide concern over climate change.
nce of the above factors makes now a very good time for a new lantern development and indeed there are
hat can benefit users.
-grid lighting in Kenya and beyond. There is the potential to reach huge
tion given the design of the lantern with benefits for both the host country and the business viability through
he need to sell many products at low mark-ups.
Marketing the product successfully to a target group who are geographically diverse, may not be technology
aware and have little spare cash available.
Building a strong brand through high product performance and providing good after sales service.
For more information please see www.solarclever.co.uk
Dr Patrick Palmer, Project supervisor, Cambridge University Engineering Department
Action and Practical Action Consulting
Chris White. 2010. Developing the Next Generation Solar Lantern. www.solarclever.co.uk
[1] Lighting Africa. Lighting and Development. Lighting Africa. [Online] [Cited: 21 05 2010.]

Solar Lanterns Test: Shades of Light. s.l. : GTZ, 2009.
[3] Rocky Radar. 2009. Tough Stuff: Bringing Solar to the Developing World. Rocky Radar. [Online] 01 09 2009. [Cited:
tp://www.rockyradar.com/cleantech/?p=341.
Kenya Qualitative Off-Grid Lighting Market Assessment. s.l. : IFC - World Bank, 2008.
Lighting Africa Market Assessment Results: Quantitative Results - Kenya.
Our Global Future
4
th
March 2011
32
Glowstar pioneered a new market sector ten years ago and was in many ways a ground breaking innovation. During the
are many factors both social and technological that make a next generation lantern development a very exciting prospect.
A great array of very capable and affordable ICs is now available on the market that can simplify the design and
Battery technology has advanced significantly and continues to expand the options for off-grid applications
served market
grid lighting through projects such as Lighting Africa
nce of the above factors makes now a very good time for a new lantern development and indeed there are
grid lighting in Kenya and beyond. There is the potential to reach huge numbers
tion given the design of the lantern with benefits for both the host country and the business viability through
y diverse, may not be technology
nce and providing good after sales service.
[Online] 01 09 2009. [Cited:
World Bank, 2008.
Kenya. s.l. : IFC - World

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