Kansas State University engineering students Tai-Wen Ko and Justin Curry are working to design economical solar lanterns to provide a more efficient and sustainable light source to Sub-Sahara Africa.
While kerosene lamps are the most viable option for those off-grid residents, the lamps can be costly to maintain in addition to producing carbon dioxide. Ko said solar lanterns are a popular alternative to kerosene lamps because they run on renewable energy and aren’t at risk of starting a fire.
"Solar lanterns are not hard to make," Ko said. "You have to find the right parts and have ideas on how to build a circuit. I wanted to make a design that would be easy enough for someone living in Sub-Saharan Africa to build on their own, which would lower the cost because they wouldn’t have to have it shipped."
Ko said his solar lantern has three main components: a solar panel, battery, and a white light-emitting diode (LED). He researched different types of these materials and chose the cheapest options. Ko said his lantern is about 30% cheaper than the average market price.
Most solar lanterns available use florescent tubes, which draw too much power, Ko said. He decided to use a white light-emitting diode because it’s less expensive, lasts longer, and is brighter. He also chose more economical options for his solar panel and battery; the latter a sealed lead-acid battery which is similar to a car battery.
Ko said an environmental concern for his lantern is that the battery contains lead, so he is researching a recycling plan that could be implemented in the Sub-Saharan African region. A lithium ion battery would be better for the environment, Ko said, but its currently too expensive. And while the environment is a main driver for renewable/alternative energy, this solar lamp would also help reduce the number of hazardous fires that result from using kerosene lamps.