Nokero combines solar energy and LEDs to light up the world
Americans take a lot of things for granted such as energy access. We think nothing of picking up a few CFL light bulbs at a home improvement store and rarely worry about power outages. This scenario is a dream for the 1.6 billion people worldwide that live without access to power. Nokero hopes that their solar powered LED light bulb called the N100 can be a safe and eco-friendly option for those that rely on unsafe kerosene lamps.
Kerosene is popular in the developing world because it is highly portable and easier to use than wood or other fuels. These factors have contributed to the popularity of kerosene lamps and some scary environmental facts. These lamps produce almost 190 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is akin to the output of 38 million cars.
Kerosene produces carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide which is a deadly combination for people with existing respiratory problems and especially for children. The World Bank estimated that over 750 million women and children are breathing in kerosene fumes on a daily basis which is comparable to smoking two packs of cigarettes a day.
The N100 aims to give people in the developing world some light without kerosene’s harmful traits. The light is made of shatter-resistant plastic and looks like a a hybrid of a normal light bulb and a work light. A weatherproof exterior protects the light from the elements while four solar panels work to collect energy from the sun.
The energy is sent from the solar panels to a replaceable NiMH battery that has a two year lifespan. When the battery is fully charged, the N100’s five LEDs can produce four hours of light just about anywhere due to the handy hook at the end of the bulb. Noreko claims that the LEDs in the N100 have been rated for 50,000 hours of use. The bulbs are now on sale through Noreko’s web site for $15 a piece and discounts are available for bulk orders.
The N100 may only supply four hours on a full charge, but that four hours can mean a lot to a person that has inconsistent and dangerous light that’s provided by a kerosene lamp. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, access to an LED light source can almost double the available study time for a student.
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John Reed, Media Relations
Elevator Communications, LLC
Mill Valley, CA
Thank you.
John Reed
Annual SolarDay Growing with the Solar Industry
Nationwide SolarDay Events for the Public
Saturday, June 19
www.solarday.com
SolarDay 2010 – Saturday, June 19 – is a national day of recognition for solar energy, energy independence and protection of the planet.
SolarDay continues to grow along with the U.S. solar industry.
The first annual SolarDay was held in 2009 with a tour hosted by the city of San Francisco using bio-diesel buses of solar hot water heating systems in the city.
This year SolarDay 2010 events will be held in more than 25 cities so residents can find out about their energy options, solar rebates and ways to reduce the cost of their electricity bills for years to come.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), in 2009 the solar industry added 441 megawatts of new, clean power to the U.S., pulled in 1.4 billion in new venture capital investments, provided 45,000 jobs and grew by 36% in annual revenue.
By the end of 2010, SEIA estimates the U.S. solar industry will surpass 60,000 jobs. Extending existing programs, including the Treasury Grant Program will add 200,000 new domestic jobs to the solar workforce and result in 10 gigawatts (GW) of new solar installations by 2016 – enough to power 2 million homes.
Higher Electricity Costs and Reducing Our Need for Fossil Fuels
The cost of electricity continues to rise every year.
Addison Huegel, Executive Director of SolarDay recently stated “As if the cost of electricity was not a good enough reason to adopt solar energy using the available rebates, there is the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf that reminds us yet again about our reliance on fossil fuels and the fragility of our ecosystem.
“More and more people are adopting greener lifestyles for both ethical and economic reasons. Solar is a major component to green lifestyles. Let’s not forget that 50% of the electric energy produced in the U.S. is from burning coal. In China, 83% of the electricity is generated by burning coal.
Federal and State Solar Rebates
“Government support of solar on the state and Federal level has made solar affordable. People with solar installations for their homes and businesses can significantly reduce their monthly energy bills. And, there are many incentive and rebate programs that can reduce the cost of a solar installation by nearly half. Plus, new programs allow you to pay off your solar installation through your property taxes and other methods. Some solar companies will install a solar installation at no cost – and simply charge you for the electricity you consume – at a guaranteed rate with no surprises.”
Nationwide SolarDay Events for the Public
The public is invited to attend the many events being held on Saturday, June 19 – SolarDay 2010. More information is available at: www.solarday.com
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Hey,
I didn't know that...
I want to add that I am sure kerosene and its fumes are not only health-threatening, but also mind-altering, meaning destroying the brain. Perhaps making addicted as sniffers are in the western world...
so changing the lights for these people in more than one way makes them more self-impowered...
Thank you
daniel
I’m sorry to say I purchased three of these Nokero bulbs to try out. I’ve only charged one, and it worked very briefly. However, the on/off switch felt wobbly and cheap from the beginning, and now it doesn’t turn on at all. For the usage they contemplate, everything about it must be solid and sturdy. I hope that anyone who contemplates buying them in bulk and adding their own logos does some testing first.
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