Nokero's solar-powered, rainproof N200 light bulb: brighter, stronger, more flexible
No one's going to be calling Nokero out for falling behind. Just a few short months after revealing its first commercial light bulb for developing nations, the outfit has now rolled out a second version, the predictably titled N200. This guy strikes a vastly different pose compared to the original, with the LED enclosure hanging on a swivel that enables it to be positioned in a way that would optimally catch light. When night falls, users can flip the light north to create a lantern. Nokero claims that this edition is just as rugged and rainproof as the original, but it's 60 percent brighter and lasts three times as long. A single NiMH battery is included, and that's what is rejuvenated by the sun -- once charged, it'll provide between 2.5 and 6 hours of light, depending on the mode. It's on sale now for $20 apiece (bulk prices are less), representing a modest $5 premium over the (still available) N100. Can't say the Yankees will be looking to decorate their outdoor patio with lighting right about now, but for the nomads trekking to Panama to escape Old Man Winter... well, you know what to do. Vid's after the break.
[Images courtesy of Larry Bollig] %Gallery-107898%
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Solar light bulb takes on 190 million ton pollution problem
Denver CO (Nov. 18, 2010) - Sometimes the great ideas are the simple ones, and this certainly holds true for the new solar light bulb coming from the creative minds at Nokero International Limited, the Nokero N200.
Small, lightweight, and durable, the Nokero is billed as humanity's best chance at ending the dangerous and polluting practice of burning kerosene fuel for lighting. A quarter of the world's population still burn fossil fuels for light, leading to the release of 190 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air each year – that's the equivalent of 30 million cars.
Replacing kerosene with solar is no easy task. A solar light must be durable, rainproof, long-lasting, and bright enough to be useful in the dark of night. Perhaps more importantly, it must be affordable – even to those who make $2 US a day or less.
The Nokero N200 meets all these requirements, and is also the brightest solar bulb for the money on the market. The company is aiming to see it retailed in world markets for around $15 or less.
Users would no longer have to pay for kerosene or other fuels, so could recoup the money in a matter of weeks or months, depending on market factors, and the bulb is designed to last two years before the battery must be replaced. Once replaced, the recyclable, nickel-metal-hydride battery can keep the bulb functioning for five or more years, if well-cared for.
Nokero also makes a useful tool for home, garden, and camping for ecologically-minded people living in the developed world. The company sells the bulb at bulk rates to dealers and distributors, who can then offer the bulb at reduced rates domestically and abroad. However samples of the Nokero N200 are available for a premium at www.nokero.com.
Bulb performance
The Nokero N200 has three modes: On, Off, and Turbo-Task. The bulb can last six or more hours on one day's charge, or 2.5 hours per night or more in Turbo-Task mode. The Nokero's N200 single solar panel can be pivoted toward the sun to maximize charging efficiency in the day, and at night the light can be hung, or set inside to provide light.
About the Nokero N100
Nokero attained notoriety with the introduction of its first solar light bulb, the N100, in June of 2010. The company has sold more than 50,000 N100s since then, and has launched pilot projects on six continents.
The Nokero N100 is still available for sale in small quantities and in bulk, and is 30 percent less expensive than the Nokero N200. As the most affordable solar light of its kind in the world, the N100 is an appealing option for people in impoverished regions who desperately need light, yet don't have the funds to buy expensive solar systems.
Learn more about Nokero at N100 and N200 at www.nokero.com.
