Brilliant Energy Solution in the Phillipines

Availability of power and energy are luxuries few can afford in the developing world. Either populated communities are not connected to the grid, or there is wide spread load shedding due to inadequate electricity production, or the soaring costs of power leave the poor with no choice but to spend their days in the dark. Slums and shanties often have hundreds of inhabitants stuck together wall-to-wall, thus blocking out natural light from reaching their rooms. Use of candles and kerosene lamps often prove to be hazardous in these shantytowns. As darkness looms from above and within, innovation and brilliance steps in to change the dismal state of affairs.

Initially in 2002 Brazilian Alfredo Moser developed the idea of using plastic bottles as a source of light. Expounding upon the idea and holding the adage of “Reuse, Reduce and Recycle” close, Phillipine’s My Shelter Foundation used sunlight, the laws of refraction and readily available PET bottles to light up about 25,000 low income homes.

The logic is simple. “The scheme uses plastic bottles filled with a solution of bleached water, installed into holes made in shanty towns' corrugated iron roofs, which then refracts the equivalent of 55W of sunlight into the room – during the day, at least. It takes five minutes to make, and using a hammer, rivet, metal sheets, sandpaper and epoxy, it costs $1 to produce.” (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/dec/23/sunlight-bulbs-plastic-bottles-light)

The bottles are set in place using metal seals, thus making maintenance unnecessary as they prevent against contraction, expansion and waterproofs the bottle to prevent it from slipping down. This brilliant innovation has now allowed the women of those dwellings to sew or engage in other productive activities they were deprived of due to living in the dark, thus creating jobs and generating economic activity. Children can study and play inside now- keeping them safe and off the streets.

Additionally, this ‘solar bulb’ is environment friendly and is a feasible alternative to the more expensive green options available in the market today.