World’s Most Affordable Solar Light Bulb?

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By Terri Steele

Nokero International, LLC last week announced availability of its ultra-efficient solar light bulb, the N182, billed as the world’s brightest and most affordable LED solar light bulb. Offering double the light output in housing two-thirds the size of its predecessor, the new, trimmer N182 employs the most efficient LED on the market today, a radically redesigned circuit board, and a cost-effective, 1-1/2” micro solar panel to collect the solar energy from which it gets its charge. With a free, 6-8 hour charge from the sun, Nokero’s N182 can provide light for five or more hours, depending on charging conditions.

RiftValley_Craig
Since its 2010 inception, Nokero has worked with governments, NGOs, and corporate partners to distribute over 1 million solar light bulbs to improve the quality of life for individuals – and entrepreneurs like these men in Kenya eager to empower their communities with the gift of light — in 130 countries. Credit: Nokero International

“This next generation Nokera solution demonstrates the potency of powerful collaborations,” noted Nokero founder and CEO Steve Katsaros. “The incorporation of Seoul Semiconductor’s ultra-efficient mid-power 5630 LEDs into Nokera’s smaller, more versatile N182 solar light bulb is a game-changer. It transforms free, plentiful energy from the sun into an illuminating force that can profoundly, affordably improve the lives of 1.3 billion people without electricity. Product innovations like this matter because every increase in efficacy translates into longer run times and increases in brightness. This allows businesses to stay open longer, children to study longer, families to recreate more safely in areas without electricity and medical personnel to better provide humanitarian aid in event of a disaster. The possibilities are endless,” noted Katsaros.

most efficient solar light bulb
Sowing seeds of entrepreneurship for the energy impoverished: This grandmother helps the family make ends meet by working longer hours sewing under solar. Nokero is currently building a global distribution network to make its evolving suite of solar light bulbs available to virtually everyone under the sun. Credit: One Heart for Hope Foundation

The patented, pocket-sized N182 housing is configured so that it may be used as a hanging light, a standing task light or personal flashlight. The design emphasizes ease of use and efficient energy conversion; at the request of consumers and distributors, the PCB and on/off switch are inside the light’s globe, which keeps them affordable.

affordable solar light bulb
Studies show that introducing Nokero’s solar light bulbs to off-the-grid communities like this household in Liberia drives a greater enthusiasm for learning after the sun sets – and higher test scores! They’re also relieved they don’t have to worry about the house burning down under a kerosene mishap. Credit: ChildFund International

Nokero’s launch of the N182 solar light bulb commemorates both the four-year anniversary of the company and its recent designation as one of Colorado’s Companies to Watch in 2014. Katsaros is introducing the N182 solar light bulb while discussing its attributes and applications at today’s Colorado Energy Expo.

Nokero is a privately-held company headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USA with offices in Hong Kong and Kenya. Nokero’s name originates from the phrase ‘No Kerosene’ – evoking its mission to replace this harmful, polluting fuel oil (used in many developing countries and off-grid communities) with safer, more environmentally-friendly renewable energy solutions. Its credo is to ensure people throughout the world have access to cleaner, higher-quality and more consistent light after dark regardless of economic status — or proximity to a power grid.

affordable camping light
With an MSRP of only $8 each, consumers are also inspired to use Nokero’s solar light bulbs for a creative range of outdoor activities where traditional power sources may not be readily available, including camping and biking excursions, beach and pool parties, garden and networking events and weddings. Credit: CJMPhoto

Since its 2010 inception, Nokero has worked with governments, NGOs and corporate partners to distribute over 1 million solar light bulbs to improve the quality of life for energy-impoverished people in 130 countries. But Katsaros says Nokero is finding enthusiastic consumers and distributors in Westernized society as well.

“We founded this company to help end energy poverty. And Nokero’s solar light bulbs are providing an important source of light (and with some models, phone charging capabilities) for off-grid homes and businesses, during power outages and in emergency situations,” noted Katsaros. “But we’re finding consumers are also inspired to use them for beach, garden and networking events, weddings, camping and biking excursions – a creative range of outdoor activities where traditional power sources may not be readily available.”

most affordable solar light bulb
Nokero founder and CEO Steve Katsaros’s solar light bulbs transform free, plentiful energy from the sun into an illuminating force that can profoundly, affordably improve the lives of these Kenyan women – and the 1.3 billion people currently living in energy poverty or without access to electricity.

Earlier this month, Nokero’s N182 was showcased by LED partner Seoul Semiconductor at LIGHTFAIR® International (LFI), billed as the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting conference and trade show. It was also recently introduced to emerging thought leaders at the global Sustainable Brands Conference in San Diego.

Today marks the first day Nokero is making the N182 solar light bulb available for public consumption. It is available via the Nokero online shop for an MSRP of $8 each. The company says quantity discounts are available for purchases by the case (60 units) or more. Those wishing to purchase samples of the N182 solar light bulb can find them at Nokero’s online store: http://store.nokero.com or by calling 1 (303) 991-9871.

affordable solar light bulb
Nokero’s N182 is the world’s most affordable solar light bulb. Its patented, pocket-sized housing is configured so that it may be used as a hanging light, a standing task light or personal flashlight.

Nokero is currently building a global distribution network to make its evolving suite of solar light bulbs available to virtually everyone under the sun. Those interested in Nokero distributorships, product customization – or in gifting Nokero lighting to those living in energy poverty — can see the light at www.nokero.com.

Nokero claims the N182 light is the brightest and most affordable product of its kind. The quality, portability and affordability of this light allows it to be enjoyed world-wide by a plethora of communities in need of off-grid and sustainable solutions – those who without products like this would simply be left in the dark.

About the Author: Terri Steele is a San Diego-based writer, marketer, and clean energy evangelist. You can follow her @solarsavvy; or email her at SolarSavvy@cox.net

Image at top of page: Nokero’s solar light bulb is the brightest and most affordable product of its kind. The quality, portability and affordability of this light allows it to be enjoyed world-wide by a plethora of communities in need of off-grid and sustainable solutions – those who without products like this would simply be left in the dark


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