Cut Out the Darkness :: Solar Lantern Campaign by Panasonic

posted by Anna Chayasatit January 20, 2014

Panasonic has launched its latest campaign ‘Cut Out the Darkness’ to donate a total of 100,000 solar lanterns to the off-grid regions, inhabited by 1.3 billion people, considered almost one-fifth of the world population.

To celebrate its centennial, electronics giant Panasonic, in partnership with NGOs and international organisations, has decided to supply non-electrified communities, mostly residential, medical and educational districts that have little or no access to power supply with thousands of lamps. The project started in 2006 and is aiming to deliver 100 thousand lanterns to those in need by 2018.

The recently developed lantern was designed to meet users’ needs. Compared to traditional lamps, the new device enables users to charge electricity during the daytime, avoiding not only lead toxic and chemical pollution but also the risks of health issues caused by CO2 smoke produced from kerosene. With its lower cost, compact size and durability, the new technology promises to be a renewable source of energy that benefits both micro and macro levels.

Eleven internationally acclaimed paper-cut artists and designers were invited to participate in the project including Hina Aoyama (JPN), Elod Beregszaszi (HUN), Jonathan Chapman aka Mr.Yen Design (GB), Sarah Dennis (GB) and many others.

You can also contribute to the project by submitting your own design via their unique application on the website or by clicking here to vote for your favourite. So far, a great deal of personalised lamp shade designs have been submitted from all corners of the globe. Along with the initial 11 designs, the best 100 designs voted by visitors will be fabricated by laser cutter and made into real lantern shades, ready to be delivered to those living in the shade.

http://cotd.panasonic.net/