A small, rechargeable solar light, built by student volunteers, so that a student without a wall outlet can study after dark.
Purpose Built
A solar panel charges a battery during the day. Two LEDs give reading light after sunset. The parts sit inside a case printed by student volunteers. By our estimate, a light is used about 6 hours a day. That figure is our own estimate, not a partner measurement.
What’s Inside?
Six parts, $5.17 in total. Volunteers print and assemble each light without pay, and the price counts parts only. Shipping is separate.
- 3D-printed case, $1.10. Printed by student volunteers. Holds every part together.
- 5V solar panel, $1.50. Charges the battery in daylight.
- LiPo battery, $1.65. Stores the day’s charge for the night.
- TP4056 charge board, $0.45. Charges the battery safely from the panel.
- Two 5 mm LEDs, $0.12. Turn the stored charge into reading light.
- Slide switch, $0.35. On after sunset, off by morning.
- Total, $5.17. Parts only.
In The Field
Brighten Haiti: 42 lights shipped
Brighten Haiti brings solar power to schools, hospitals and families across Haiti through Solar4Schools. 42 lights have shipped to this partner.
Loksadhana: 15 lights allocated
A charitable trust in Maharashtra, India, working on rural education, women’s empowerment and health. 15 lights are allocated to this partner and are not described as shipped.
Malaika: 15 lights allocated
Malaika empowers girls and communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through education, health and clean water. 15 lights are allocated to this partner and are not described as shipped.
Help Build the Next Light
One light costs $5.17 in parts. Donations help pay for parts for the next light.
