d.light S1 – the little solar lantern that will do BIG things

Sam Goldman
CEO, D.light Design

For a long time, we at d.light have known that the magic price point we had to reach was below $10. Any solar light that is above $10, or even at $10, will remain unaffordable for many families in developing countries.

It took us a little while, but I’m happy to report that we’ve finally done it! The d.light S1, which we launched today, will retail for under $8 around the world. It is a super-bright, incredibly durable solar LED light that will, we believe, replace kerosene lanterns for millions of off-grid households. In many countries, the d.light S1 will pay for itself in only two months or less.

Even better, the d.light S1 is the perfect study light for young people. More and more independent studies are showing the link between access to bright light and educational outcomes. Recently, the World Bank published a study of a village in Sudan where, over just one year, pass rates went from 57 to 97 percent when students were provided with solar lighting.

So even though the d.light S1 is a little product (some have even likened it to a small alien spaceship!), I’m expecting big things out of it. We hear from our customers over and over again that one of their top priorities in life is to provide a good education for their children so they have more opportunities in life. The d.light S1 was made to exactly meet that demand.

So if you live in India, Africa, or one of our other markets, expect to see the d.light S1 available in local retailers soon. If you live in the US, you can actually order your own d.light S1 today through Amazon. (UK friends, it’s coming soon to Amazon UK!)

If you want to learn more about the d.light S1, you can also read our official press release.

Let’s continue to light up the world!