TAGS: Green and Bioplastics New Energy Solutions
The solar-powered light created from recycled plastics and ethically-sourced electronic components has won a prestigious design accolade. The portable lamp and charger, which is built to promote responsible production and cut electronic waste, scooped a prize at the iF Product Design Awards.
Aimed at families without access to mains electricity in low-income countries, it has been designed by a team in the University’s School of Social and Political Science.
Battery Powered ‘Solar What?!’
The device – known as the Solar What?! – was built in partnership with Edinburgh-based design agency Cramasie. It is powered using mobile phone batteries and can be repaired with non-specialist tools and charged from a range of second-hand solar modules.
Solar What?! was selected from more than 7,000 entries by a panel of 78 international design experts from more than 20 countries.
Solar What?! won an award for professional Concept, which recognizes experimental or conceptual designs and research projects.
Promoting the Right to Repair
Products that can be repaired in the place that they are used can increase access to energy, support local livelihoods and reduce electronic waste. Jamie Cross, Senior Lecturer in Social Anthropology co-designed the Solar What?! and led the research that helped to shape its design.
Solar What?! had been built to challenge unsustainable design practices in the off-grid solar industry and to promote the right to repair. Small solar-powered lamps and chargers provide basic access to energy for millions of people worldwide who live without m ains electricity.
Source: University of Edinburgh