Solar Flashlights, made possible by one man's vision, are keeping African Villagers safe

Mark Bent is an ex diplomat turned eco-benefactor. While touring Africa he noticed that most remote villages suffered from the lack of power and light. According to an article in the NY Times, Bent said, "I find it hard sometimes to explain the scope of the problems in these camps with no light. If you’re an environmentalist you think about it in terms of discarded batteries and coal and wood burning and kerosene smoke; if you’re a feminist you think of it in terms of security for women and preventing sexual abuse and violence; if you’re an educator you think about it in terms of helping children and adults study at night." Unlike most people, Mr. Bent didn't just walk away shaking his head. He instead did something about it. He invented a solar powered flashlight that gives up to seven hours of light, and can go for as long as three years between replacements of the three AA batteries needed to power it. These solar flashlights have been donated to refugee camps in Africa, and to depressed areas in Haiti, Cameroon and Ethiopia, where they're used to light health centers, schools, and outdoor public walkways.

Mark has formed an online organization called Bogo Light to enable people to purchase these solar flashlights in a similar manner to the way MIT is distributing its $100 laptop computers. BogoLight has established a "BogoLight Buy One, Give One" program on their website that ensures that by paying $25 to buy direct (roughly $5 more than standard retail) one BoGoLight will be donated to a developing nation through their well organized relief distribution effort.

The flashlights use the most up to date solar panel to recharge the AA batteries, and uses a more efficient LED light, which ensures approximately 7 hours of light off one charge, and allows the batteries to last for approximately 750-1000 nights between replacement.

So far over 30,000 flashlights have been donated to developing countries, which is a pretty damn good return on a dream and initial startup costs of $250,000. It'll be interesting to watch what BogoLight comes up with next. There's a solar powered water purification system on the drawing board next, as well as an interior room illumination system, and jaundice fighting solar powered light for health clinics.