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This article was taken from the June 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
Jacques-Philippe Piverger wanted to create a light that was affordable, rechargeable and tiny enough to carry in his pocket. So he built the Luci, a collapsible solar-powered lantern that weighs 128 grams, is 13cm in diameter and costs $25 (£16). "I had already founded two non-profits that were trying to improve education, healthcare and economic development when I hit upon this idea," says Piverger, 36. "It seemed to me that if I worked in solar power and lighting, it would impact on all those three verticals." Last year, the ex-banker cofounded New York-based MPowerd, and Luci launched as its first product in January.
To use the Luci, solar charge its lithium-ion battery for eight hours and ten LEDs will produce six to 12 hours of light, shining at 80 lumens. "Its brightness and portability make it unique compared to other lanterns of a similar price," Piverger says. Although priced at $25 in the US, where it is sold to campers, backpackers and those off the grid, its cost in developing countries is subsidised to between $10 (£6.60) and $16 (£11). "And every time we sell a Luci in the US, we send one to someone in the developing world for free."
The next step is to make the Luci available in the UK, Europe and Australia, then launch more MPowerd products -- a solar-powered light that charges smartphones and recyclable materials that store energy are on the cards. "We want to make more tools for those in energy poverty," says Piverger. Power to the people.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
