Illac Diaz (Liter of Light´s global founder) Lucas Herrero (main contact person in Argentina)

info@literoflight.org (Global) litrodeluz.argentina@gmail.com (Argentina)

Illac Diaz, Liter of Light, Lucas Herrero, Universidad de Palermo

In many towns in Argentina, power lines become unfeasible. This brings social and development problems in the communities. The lack of access to quality public lighting generates insecurity, not only from the criminal point of view, but also from the daily routine. One of the things that is often said about the lack of lighting, both in homes and abroad, is that it "shortens the day", relegating daily tasks only to moments of sunlight. We also see poor lighting in houses as a major problem, which generates lack of hygiene and self-development.    Liter of Light Argentina makes quick-install public luminaires not only for specific interventions in neighborhoods, but also to provide lighting in cases of emergencies in which the neighborhood is left without electricity. The solution is based on the installation of luminaires that work with photovoltaic energy with a current of 12v, which are made with cheap and accessible materials throughout the world. These luminaires can be for inside houses, or units of 3 meters high to illuminate an area of ​​up to 40 square meters. The power supply of the system will use lead acid batteries (whose value ranges from US$20 to 50, which will last between 2 and 3 years). It comes with a 30 watt solar panel and can withstand strong winds and 12v outdoor lighting. All these elements can be obtained anywhere in the world, hence the versatility of this system. In turn, these systems, by providing 12v power, can be used to power cell phones, UHF and VHF radios, and other electronics. Thus generating the possibility of communication in case of supply cuts or consequences of natural phenomena. This means that the people of the communities not only learn about the power generation systems, the electrical risk (since these systems replace the clandestine electrical connections that generate fires), and the electrical infrastructure, but also generate in them more strength in knowledge, and communication capacity in case of health emergency.     At the same time, they carry out health, hygiene and sanitation programs since some communities are also far from the health points. These programs help improve the quality of life of people with healthy habits and community nursing actions.    T Therefore, this solution gives energy, light, security, adaptation, and technical and health knowledge to the populations. In other words, it not only gives them light, energy, and primary health care, but it leaves them the knowledge, and some infrastructure and equipment so that they can continue to work cooperatively. 

Prototype system

Liter of Light has installed more than 350,000 bottle lights in more than 15 countries and taught green skills to empower grassroots entrepreneurs at every stop. Liter of Light's open source technology has been recognized by the UN and adopted for use in some UNHCR camps. Liter of Light is the proud recipient of the 2016 St. Andrews Prize for the Environment, the 2015 Zayed Future Energy Prize, and a winner of the 2014-2015 World Habitat Award.

The lithium phosphate battery gives 12-16 hours of light everyday. It automatically lights up at nightfall and comes with an on/off switch. It has different lighting solutions: solar lamp, house light, street light and bottle light.