Panasonic Corporation’s “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project” is now halfway to its 2018 goal, having distributed more than 50,000 lights.
The project, which began in early 2013, seeks to distribute 100,000 solar powered lights to communities in developing nations. The solar lanterns are primarily distributed for use in places where people gather, such as schools, health centers, and meeting places.
“Now past our midway point, we are more excited than ever to pick up the pace, with our eyes set on the goal,” says Panasonic.
Panasonic intends to have distributed the full number by 2018, the year of the company’s centenary celebrations. To date, 80 organizations in 16 countries have received the solar lanterns.
The countries receiving the highest number of lanterns so far are Myanmar ( 9,464) and Cambodia ( 8,914). Looking ahead, Panasonic intends boosting donations to African countries that have large off-grid populations. It will also create the ability for the general public and companies to get involved in donations of lanterns.
Three solar lantern models have been developed for the program, two of which also include a USB port for charging small devices.
A single solar light might not seem like much to us, but a little light can go a long way in developing nations; increasing security and extending the time available to study and for general productivity.
“By providing light from electricity generated with renewable energy, we aim to help address social challenges in areas such as education, health, and the empowerment of women, and to generate positive change in the lives of the people,” says Panasonic.
Probably one of the most important benefits is what it replaces – polluting, dangerous and expensive kerosene lighting.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), an estimated 250 to 500 million households still rely on fuel-based lamps to supply their basic lighting needs.
In addition to carbon emissions, kerosene lamps also emit high levels of PM2.5 particulates, which impact on human health. Research in 2010 indicated vendors using a single simple wick lamp in market kiosks will likely be exposed to PM2.5 concentrations an order of magnitude greater than ambient health guidelines.
