Posted 11.03.2009 at 4:30 pm
13 Comments
Affordable Solar Powered Lamps
Frederik Krebs, via IEEE Spectrum
Even as some of the world moves into a future of unimaginably complex technology, many communities still lack the basic electrical infrastructure needed to power even simply electric devices like light bulbs. Unwilling to wait for the wiring to catch up to the demand, Danish researcher Frederik Krebs has created an LED lamp embedded within a flexible, printable solar panel that could replace the kerosene lamps still used around the developing world.
While sheets of photovoltaics aren't that new, Krebs is the first person to embed LEDs inside those solar panels, according to IEEE Spectrum. Printed out in reams, the combo light/solar panel can be rolled up to mimic a lamp, and could potentially provide light to the 1.5 billion people around the wold currently living without electricity.
Right now, the panels used in Krebs's lamp are, even by his own admission, some of the lest efficient cells on the market. However, that lack of efficiency also translates into low cost, an important factor in spreading these lamps throughout the world's poorest regions. Besides, even at 1 percent efficiency, the panels still generate enough energy to produce light.
Krebs aims to get the lamps on the market by next year, by which time he will have dropped the cost of the lamp from $27 to $7 dollars. The lamps only last for a year, but at that low price, they could reduce the annual lighting costs in isolated villages by as much as 75 percent.
[via IEEE Spectrum]
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Good invention,but $7 will be too much for people in my village,$2 sound more like it.
I agree, good invention. But it only lasts one year? To me that just means more garbage to pollute the environment. Granted, the alternative is the kerosene laterns people are already using which has its own pollution problems.
stylish, too!
wouldn't pollute if they also had a policy to take back the ones that are worn out.....which by what i know on those thing's would probably be the case, since the materials used (one specifically) is kinda rare and expensive.
These things taste like iodine and berries. They will last longer if you don't let them get too hot, apply sunscreen on them and keep them in the refrigerator when not in use. I don't know any of this for sure but my bs is top quality and I even believe it. Organic solar panels are the only thin film solar that looks like that and is all purple and tasty, there are videos on youtube that teaches you how to make them out of jelly filled donuts.
how can you get power when it's dark at night? this is suppose to be solar right? and i didn't read anything regarding batteries storing energy.
Unless your kerosene lamps are costing you $2 dollars a year, then $7 dollars a year certainly can't be that bad.
printable? can I have the tablet? :)
template*
The information you have presented is entirely derivative of a story in the November issue of IEEE Spectrum magazine. This should be acknowledged in the text. Instead, you link to the original story as the Spectrum piece covers prior developments that "aren't that new", making your own writing appear to add insight into some original development.
For shame!
Peter Fairley
I presume this lamp has a storage battery. Lamps are meant to be used in the dark, when or where there is no sunlight. Is the price for the storage battery included? Batteries are quite expensive.
I am a keen advocator of developing countries adopting the best technology has to offer as there infrastructure is evolving, so why take a backward step. Surely solar energy that is almost free could be a better source for the lighting needs rather than less than ideal energy sources.
www.amazingchandeliers.co.uk
Oh, that is sad to hear that the article was derived elsewhere. I am surprised and too would welcome some response. I work hard to ensure my responses and any articles I undertake are from my perspective and recognition provided if data sourced elsewhere. In respect of the lamps, I feel it is wonderful to e finally in an age of technology where developing countries can benefit without all the costs associated with manufacturing and infrastructure.
www.litecraft.co.uk