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Hong Kong Company Develops Solar-Powered Lightbulb
hussain_mkj writes "A Hong Kong-based company, Nokero, has introduced what it claims is the world's first solar powered lightbulb. Nokero is trying to replace traditional kerosene lamps in developing countries with its solar-powered N100 LED lightbulbs. The bulb is about the same size as normal incandescent bulbs, and will shine for two hours when charged for a day. The company claims that the new bulb is five times as bright as a kerosene lamp and uses 1/200th the energy. It will cost $15 for one and $480 for 48."
Isn't this the exact same thing as the exterior lights people stick in the ground along their steps and walkways around their homes? They charge in the daytime and come on at night for a couple hours. This is just a slightly different form factor is all.
And I don't think it is accurate calling it a "lightbulb". It is a "bulb-shaped" electronic device, but it is not a bulb.
Better known as 318230.
Seriously, how about solar powered other things like water boilers that everyone needs in developing nations. The bulb takes 1 day to light up for 2 hrs which does not seem like a lot and that too depends on the weather. Does it hold it's charge for long? I think bulbs are cheap anyway, are not power-consuming monsters and GE already has cheaper and relatively more energy efficient bulbs out. It could be used in disaster-struck areas, that is a good point, but I have seen people come out with generator trucks for such areas and/or people getting rescued and taken to an area with power too. But it could still make things easier and we could soon see food packets with solar bulbs dropped in such areas :).