In African countries near the equator, darkness starts at 6:30 in the evening. An estimated 500 million Africans lack access to electricity and can only work, read and cook with kerosene lamps. But that fuel is expensive, dangerous and bad for health. The solar lamps provide a lasting solution to these problems.

According to calculations by the World Bank 17 billion U.S. dollars are annually spent on kerosene lamps in Africa. Some light manufacturers, including the Australian Barefoot and Dutch Philips company focus on this growing market.