The solar ambitions of India are prepping up to ensure that no one lives without electricity! In the latest, Panasonic has announced that it has developed a solar lantern that can act as a charger too. This is especially useful for people in areas with electricity issues. A prototype of the solar lantern will be showcased at the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama.
Reportedly, around 20 per cent of the world’s population is living without electricity, many of who use kerosene lamps for lighting. The biggest negative of using kerosene lamp is that it emits toxic fumes and can start a fire. Moreover, with so many people relying on mobile phones, charging them also becomes an issue for many. With a built-in rechargeable battery to store solar energy during the day, the lantern provides light at night and can also be used as a power source to charge small mobile devices like mobile phones. The company plans to bring the lantern to the market in autumn this year after conducting marketing research in off-grid areas in Asia and Africa, IT Wire reported.
The company claims that the new solar lantern provides clean and safe lighting and a power source. The company is working closely to make it convenient for everyday use by considering factors like brightness, charging time and battery run time in addition to the charging function for mobile phones and other small devices.
The solar lanterns will be sold at retail stores and will also be made a part of support programs offered by governments and international organizations. The company is also looking forward to tie-up with NPOs, NGOs and other social groups in efforts in order to participate in the development of society.
The 100 Thousand Solar Lantern Project was introduced last year with the aim of donating a total of 100,000 solar electric lights to those without by 2018.
