Press Releases

Umbrella Light for Disaster Relief and Developing Countries

A solar-powered umbrella light, which uses newly developed flexible solar panels, could give a brighter future to remote communities that lack access to electricity.

With 1.6 billion people worldwide lacking connection to an electrical network, Becky Barber believes this flexible lighting could enable households, students and small businesses to increase their active working hours, unhindered by location or time. In addition, it can reduce money spent on electricity bills, or reduce the reliance on traditional lighting methods, such as candles, paraffin and batteries.

“The idea is for aid organisations to distribute these products in locations that don’t have access to mains electricity, people can charge the light during the day when walking around in the sun. It is then hung up indoors in the evening to give a self-contained light and lampshade”.

The Solar Umbrella Light uses newly-developed Powerfilm, ultra thin, flexible solar panels. They are secured onto the fabric of the umbrella and covered with a waterproof coating. They charge a battery that powers strips of LED lights on the reflective underside.

The Solar Umbrella Light activates in response to low light intensities when open. The motion of the umbrella closing deactivates the light and light sensor.

Inspired during her many visits to Madagascar, where her parents have spent the last 26 years working for charities, Becky developed the concept when observing umbrellas used just as much for shade as well as rain shelter.

“Candles, paraffin (kerosene), and oil lamps are still some of the most common options for basic lighting, with dry cells and car batteries used to power radios, televisions, and small appliances.”

“These power sources are low quality, cumbersome, expensive, and can be dangerous, but they are often the only available options open to rural families, small farmers, and businesses.”

The folding nature of an umbrella aids the efficient packaging and distribution of batch quantities to communities.

It is hoped that donation or sponsorship of this portable eco-friendly lighting will bring sustainable, new technologies into rural developing communities around the world.

“It will become one of the higher technology products that I hope to produce as part of the newly established, and award winning business BOO Enterprise (www.booenterprise.com), a social enterprise project engages with developing communities to provide other opportunities through innovative products.”

Product Design student Becky Barber's solar-powered radios as part of BOO Enterprise has won the university's Social Enterprise Award in the University's Business Ideas Challenge.

The Solar Umbrella Light, and BOO Enterprise as a whole, will be exhibited at New Designers Exhibition, London, 8-11th July on stand F16.

The Solar Umbrella Light would help to improve the standard of living where there is a lack of infrastructure, and help provide a brighter future.

ENDS

Contact:
Becky Barber
07513293853
barber.boodesign@googlemail.com
www.booenterprise.com

Design Tutor:
Roberto Fraquelli
07785 506 252
R.Fraquelli@plymouth.ac.uk

Websites:
The University of Plymouth:
www.plymouth.ac.uk

Plymouth University 3D Design students’ website:
www.3Ddesign.org.uk