Advances in LED technology are driving innovation in energy efficient lighting, and that’s bringing the power of artificial light to communities across the globe, as well as making clean, energy efficient, portable lighting more widely available in the developed world. Just take a look at Nokero’s N200, a durable, portable and economic solar-powered LED light bulb, to better understand and appreciate the potential here.
In use in some 120 countries, the Nokero N200 provides 6 hours of lighting per night on its “low” power setting, and 2.5 hours per night on “high.” It can be charged for multiple days in a row, which extends its lighting time. The N200′s battery lasts for 1.5 years and can be replaced to keep the solar LED bulb operating. And at a cost of $20, the N200 pays for itself in anywhere from 15 days to two months.
At around a 5-Watt equivalent and 13.5 lumens on high and 8 lumens on low, the Nokero N200 isn’t as bright as a typical incandescent light bulb. It is however sufficient to read by, study by, cook by, or to carry out household tasks. Plus, it doesn’t require grid or battery power to charge, and it’s renewable. The advantage of steady light is clear when compared with the flickering light provided by kerosene lamps or candles. It makes tasks such as reading much easier.
Eradicating Energy Poverty
Nokero is short for “No Kerosene,” alluding to international efforts aimed at drastically reducing, if not eliminating, the use of kerosene lamps in poor and developing world countries. Doing so provides immediate health and environmental benefits within homes and communities. These solar powered LED lights eliminate the need for commonly used kerosene or charcoal lighting alternatives. That can yield large-scale benefits in terms of preventing deforestation and reducing carbon emissions.
Founded in June 2010, Nokero is a privately held company with offices in Denver, Colorado and Hong Kong. The Denver office, led by American inventor and company founder Steve Katsaros, focuses on generating new advances in solar LED design and technology, as well as business development, marketing and public relations. The Hong Kong office concentrates on consumer products trade and takes care of manufacturing, shipping and logistics.
Earthspark International recently took delivery of its first shipment of Enèji Pwòp (Clean Energy) branded Nokero N200 solar LED light bulbs. Aiming to empower local communities by “eradicating energy poverty,” Earthspark partners with social entrepreneurs and organizations “to develop local businesses and country-scale supply chains for clean and efficient energy technologies.”
In Haiti, the Nokero N200 pays for itself in about one month when compared to the purchase and fuel costs of kerosene lamps. That’s a benefit in addition to eliminating the safety, health and environmental threats they pose. The Nokero Eneji Pwop solar LED light bulbs have proven to be a hit in local communities.
On Earthspark’s blog, Eneji Pwop team member Allison Archambault tells how the team came up with a variation of the popular riddle often told by Haitian storytellers and in schools. “What’s very small, fills the house and is modern?,” the variation goes. To which the children respond, “Eneji Pwop!”
