Origami-inspired solar light for off-grid and emergency use

A portable source of clean, sustainable light

A portable source of clean, sustainable light

Haiti’s earthquake in 2010 inspired Alice Min Soo Chun and Stacy Kelly, the co-founders of the company Solight Design, to develop SolarPuff in order to help people in need. SolarPuff is a solar inflatable light that charges in 5 hours in bright sunlight, emitting light for 8-12 hours during the night. It is easy to carry as it is foldable like a piece of origami and it opens with a simple twist becoming a cube. It has 3 different levels of brightness and can blink to attract attention (ex. for rescues). This solar light is water-resistant, floatable and can withstand wind and rain. The company has also launched Twilight, a smaller and more economic version of the SolarPuff. Last November, the company run a very successful crowdfunding campaign, reaching over 400% of its original goal.

For those interested in buying, the products are available at the company’s website and Amazon.com, and even at the e-store of the MoMA in New York where SolarPuff lamp is actually a bestseller.According to the company’s website, 10% of its online sales go to supplying lights throughout the world through NGOs that deliver them to developing regions.

Considering the 1.6 billion people around the world that have no access to electricity, such an innovation could certainly ameliorate their everyday lives.