Philips is introducing a new line of solar powered led lights for use in Africa. The lights were developed by the Nairobi based Philips Africa Innovation Hub, which is a center for developing innovations ‘in Africa-for Africa’. Philips LifeLight is a new range of 100% energy-efficient solar-powered LED lighting that makes ordinary activities, such as studying or working in the evening, safer and more practical.

“Today an estimated 560 million Africans live without electricity,’’ said Mary Kuria, General Manager, Philips Lighting East Africa. “For these people, nighttime means either darkness or the flickering light of a candle or kerosene lamp. However the disadvantages of kerosene lanterns are many, including safety, health risks and high costs (around $50 per year). And the light output of these lanterns is so low as to make visibility for practical activities almost impossible. Using the energy of the sun to power lighting solutions can make a true difference to people’s lives.”

The Philips LifeLight Home consists of two hanging pendant lights and contains a USB port for charging cell phones or other electronics. The implications of bringing illumination to millions of people along with the ability to connect to each other where wireless and cell phone services are available are enormous.

The led lights can last up to 40 hours and are 10 times brighter than kerosene lamps or candles. They also are far more healthy than traditional lighting sources. In Kenya every week 75,000 people, mostly women and children, get sick or even die as a direct result of inhaling smoke from kerosene lamps, wood fires and candles.

“Solar LED lighting is a strategic imperative for Philips, especially this year which has been proclaimed the International Year of Light by UNESCO,” says Harry Verhaar, Head of Government and Public Affairs at Philips Lighting. “Today 1.3 billion people worldwide do not have access to electricity and thus light when the sun goes down, yet the technology exists to support them. We are working with governments and stakeholders across Africa, Asia and Latin America to develop solutions with the goal to end light poverty by 2030. LED technology could also help these communities to leapfrog to connected solutions in the future.”

The range includes two additional models, Philips LifeLight and Philips LifeLight Plus solar-powered lanterns. Philips’ Solar Lighting Business is also launching and installing thousands of solar LED lighting systems for both homes and streets in off-grid communities across the world.