Why is solar lighting important?
Port-au-Prince is without light or power. Solar lighting can provide an immediate source of light to those in need and contribute to public safety. After charging for a few hours during the day, these solar lamps can provide 6 to 8 hours of light. Some of the products also double as phone-chargers.
How many people can benefit from the lights?
We estimate that 20,000 lamps, distributed one per household with an average family size of five, will benefit approximately 100,000 people in Port-au-Prince. Between 300,000 and one million people are homeless, making the need for portable power and lighting solutions even more pressing.
What are people using now?
People are using kerosene and charcoal for cooking fuel and lighting, the use of which has negative health consequences. Disaster relief organizations are operating on diesel generators, but diesel is scarce and expensive.
How will they be distributed?
We are partnering with
The Clinton Global Initiative, The Haitian Ministry of Women's Affirs,
Partners in Health,
AIDG,
KONPAY and other community and relief organizations to distribute these products on the ground. By partnering with these established organizations, we can ensure that the products quickly and effectively reach those most in need.
When can they be deployed?
Immediately.
Are you buying wholesale or retail?
We are purchasing these at cost from manufacturers including SunNight Solar, Sun Transfer, D.Light Design, and Barefoot Power.
Why these products?
We’ve field tested these products in Haiti and can vouch for the integrity of their design. They’ve also been independently evaluated and field-tested in Africa. These solar lamps were made specifically for use in developing countries. They are sturdy, compact, and multifunctional (ie some products have multiple lighting modes, such as flashlight, room lighting, reading light, and some also charge mobile phones).
Why is EarthSpark qualified to launch this effort?
EarthSpark already operates on the ground to supply clean energy technologies to communities in Haiti. Our previous experience sourcing and distributing solar products in Haiti makes us uniquely positioned to mobilize the supply of these products and coordinate their distribution on the ground. We also maintain close business ties with these solar product manufacturers and have relationships with the heads of disaster relief organizations currently operating in Port-au-Prince.
What portion of my donation goes to this effort?
Seventy percent of your donation goes directly to the purchase and shipping costs of these products. Thirty percent will go toward EarthSpark’s ongoing projects and programs to create clean energy supply chains in Haiti, efforts that will facilitate Haiti’s post-disaster recovery.
