The people at deciwatt.org wanted to develop a device that
would provide free light in developing countries. They asked for $55,000 in support donations
at indiegogo.com. The pledges have
amounted to $400,000.
It is basically a device that works by suspending a bag full
of rocks and letting gravity turn a small generator which powers an LED. Current production cost is about $10 per unit
and with continued R&D they hope to bring the cost down to $5.
Lighting in rural areas of developing nations is largely
provided by kerosene. This is an
expensive proposition as well as being dangerous and unhealthy. The cost of a gravity light can be returned
in cost savings over kerosene in about three months.
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