3D Printing

Shining Light in the Developing World with 3D Printed Solar Lights

1.5 billion people in the world lack access to electricity.  In a world in which the planet is teeming with 7 billion of the most advanced organic computers imaginable, this should not be happening.  And, because, according to a recent Oxfam study, the richest 1% of the population control almost half of the world’s total wealth, it’s up to the rest of us to do something about it. One group that is attempting to bring this valuable resource to those that can’t afford it is SULILAB (Sun Light Laboratory), which has just launched an Indiegogo campaign to bring portable solar modules to those that need it.

suli 3D printed solar light tech specsBecause those 1.5 billion people without reliable electricity rely on lighting from candles and kerosene lamps, which cause up 1 million deaths per year from intoxication and fires, according to the crowdfunding campaign, SULILAB, based in Chile, has been developing an open source, 3D printable solar module that they believe can provide light to developing nations that is both renewable and low-cost.  If the SULI succeeds on Indiegogo, SULILAB plans to take it to Boutín, Haití, where, after the earthquake that took place a few years ago, about 3,500 people and five schools with more than 800 students live without water or light.  With sufficient support, they will supply SULI lights to the five wells being constructed by Chilean non-profit AMERICA SOLIDARIA and, if the support is truly substantial, the solar modules will also make it into Boutín schools and homes.

suli 3D printed solar light bike light

Though the impact of SULI will be more significant for those without access to electricity, the solar lights will also help those in developed nations shift a more sustainable power source.  For that reason, anyone can purchase SULI lights to attach them, using 3D printable accessories designed by FabLab Santiago, onto their backpacks, bicycles, or walls.

suli-3D-printed-solar-light

With grants from Innova Chile of CORFO through the Chrysalis incubator, as well as FabLab Santiago, the firm was able to develop and finish their SULI module.  Now that they have finalized the platform, SULILAB’s Indiegogo seeks to mass manufacture at least 500 units.  As the open source SULI community designs new uses and accessories for the solar module, SULILAB hopes to expand the capabilities of the SULI by adding such features as a USB port to charge smartphones and Bluetooth to connect the SULI to smartphone apps or create a network of SULI lights.

If you’d like to pre-order a SULI or support what seems like a righteous cause, head over to the campaign here.  And check out the campaign video below for more information: