Yingli with SolarAid Launches Affordable Solar Light

Yingli Green Energy Europe GmbH (Yingli Europe) has partnered with SolarAidto to launch affordable quality solar light, the SM100.

The new affordable solar light was designed and developed by Yingli Europe, with the support of a UK industrial design agency, to meet critical price and performance specifications of SolarAid said the company in a statement.

Objectives SolarAid, a leading international charity that combats poverty and climate change were to provide a tough, durable solar light for use in rural Africa, which meets Lighting Africa standards and retails for $5 in Africa, in order to make electrical light more accessible.

“When I first started at SolarAid 10 years ago the lights we sold in Africa were $25 each. Over the last 10 years prices have come down and now SolarAid is proud to be launching what we believe is the world’s most affordable solar light on the market,” said Nick Sireau, CEO of SolarAid. “Working with our social enterprise, SunnyMoney, in Africa we will be selling the SM100 to people in rural communities for just $5 each. We sincerely hope this step change in pricing will help us to eradicate the kerosene lamp for good.”

The notes that solar-powered SM100 provides more than 5 hours of constant bright light, it can be used as a traditional desk light or hung on the wall.

Due to the SM100’s rectangular shape it can be also be used off the stand and additional slots in the casing can be used to attach a strap so that the lamp can be worn as a head torch for hands-free use. The SM100 will retail for £10 in the UK, providing SolarAid with the funds to distribute two more SM100 lights in Africa for every one that is bought in the UK.

“The SM100 will provide safe light to millions more families who live currently on less than 1.25$ per day. Not only will the lamp save lives but also support children’s’ education at home in the dark evenings and saving families money by avoiding the purchase of air polluting kerosene,” said Darren Thompson, Managing Director of Yingli Europe. “We are pleased to provide SolarAid with a durable high quality solar light at the lowest price point possible that will help to transform the quality of life for millions of people that live without electricity. At Yingli we stand behind our mission – Affordable Green Energy for All.”