Mor-power

In Africa, 65% of the population is living without a reliable and safe source of light. And in India, the national electricity supply cuts out approximately two to three days every week. Although solar power is an easily accessible source of energy for those geographic locations, it is not widely used due to lack of affordability.

Mor-power is a system that offers solar energy to low-income groups and provides them with a sustainable, reliable, and portable energy source.
The carabineer solar panel provides 0.5 volts of power, which is enough to charge a mobile phone. A version of this device also includes a detachable LED reading light that operates for up to four hours on one full charge.

“Improving the quality of life is not a privilege reserved for developed countries,” explained the team. “This device constitutes not only a reliable and portable energy source but also encourages the use of free and sustainable power through a new distribution system. This system is not based on the interests of dollarized value but rather a concept of improving lives and the world in which we live by providing sustainable energy for everyone, including those who cannot afford it.”

The overall design is a balance between durability and simplicity. Simplicity provides flexibility of color and print graphic applications in order to customize the devices through different distribution channels. Durability is required for the panel to endure potential sun damage and the harsh conditions of repeated use in countries where the device is deployed.

Products follow a system of ‘buy one, gift one’—when one panel is sold in, for example, North America, another panel will be gifted to someone in need. It’s designed to be optimized for physical mobility and in manufacturability.