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Unlisted Companies Solar Light Wins RecognitionA solar powered light developed to replace dangerous kerosene lamps in developing countries has won an Australian Business Award for Best Eco Product in its industry classification of solar products. Flexiway Solar Solutions started by developing a simple lighting system to help the people of Tanzania where it initially distributed around 1,000 solar lights, and is now a global distributor of solar-powered LED lights to replace dangerous, toxic and expensive kerosene lamps. The Solar Muscle is an affordable, lightweight and robust light that is also easy to use, weatherproof and hardwearing. The all-in-one design has the solar panel on the back of the light. It provides up to eight hours of illumination per charge at full power, and twice as long at the 50 per cent setting. Units can be connected to give more light as needed. The money that an average village family spends on kerosene in two to three week is enough to buy the light that will last for at least several years with no running costs. The standard-sized batteries are rechargeable and easy to replace. In Australia a six pack of the lights can be bought for $99 including postage.
Above: A six pack of Solar Muscle lights clicked together. Below: The PV panel on the back.
The light was developed and the company started by Australian Jim Fraser, who on a visit to Tanzania noticed that villagers were not connected to the grid and spent up to a quarter of their low income on buying kerosene for lighting, despite the abundant sunlight. The Solar Muscle was developed from field knowledge and advice from international aid agencies. Mr Fraser told Eco Investor that the light has now been sold into 33 countries, including about 2,000 units for far in Australia. The company is self funding and has never sought outside equity, but is now receiving unsolicited interest from interested potential investors.
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