FAMILIES in low-income or developing countries who have no access to mains electricity could benefit from a solar-powered, sustainable lamp developed by a Scottish university.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have built the “Solar What?!” from recycled plastics and ethically-sourced electronic components.
The device is powered by widely available mobile phone batteries, can be repaired with non-specialist tools and charged from a range of second-hand solar modules.
It was designed by the university’s School of Social and Political Science in partnership with Edinburgh based design agency Cramasie, to promote responsible production and reduce electronic waste in the solar energy industry. The lamp could help address emerging challenges around electronic and plastic waste, say researchers, particularly in areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asian countries where demand is high.
The University of Edinburgh has signed an agreement with international charity Solar Aid to support the development of the Solar What?! and promote sustainability in the off-grid solar industry.
The first batch of devices will be made available to schoolchildren and their families in Zambia early next year.
Dr Jamie Cross, of Edinburgh University’s School of Social and Political Science, who led the research and helped design the device, said: “When solar things break down in Sub Saharan Africa and South Asia, people try to fix them. Solar-powered lighting devices that cannot be fixed are effectively disposable technologies.
“The solution to electronic solar waste lies in designing products that can be easily repaired.
“When solar-powered devices can be taken apart and repaired locally, they reduce electronic waste and provide clean energy for longer. Repair should be as important as sunlight in a responsible and sustainable solar industry.”
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