Y.Sato Marine in Solomon Islands has introduced a new range of solar kits designed in Japan by Akari.
The manufacturer of the battery cells, GS Yuasa, acquired quality certification under the Lighting Global Project of the United Nations Affiliated World Bank.
The Worlds first product certification for a battery manufacturer.
Product quality certifications was acquired under the Lighting Global Project of the United Nations-affiliated World Bank*1 for the Akari solar light kit and mini Moshi-Moshi solar power systems for household use developed and sold by GS Yuasa Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 6674; “GS Yuasa”).
Lighting Global supports the regional Lighting Africa and Lighting Asia programs, which catalyze and accelerate development of markets for high quality, affordable, solar lighting products. The regional programs work along the supply chain to reduce market entry barriers and first mover risks.
Although the Lighting Global Project certification had mainly been provided for the products of foreign electronics manufacturers and solar lantern manufacturers specializing areas without electricity as of the end of August 2014, GS Yuasa subsequently became the first battery manufacturer to acquire certification.
With the acquisition of this certification, it is expected that there will be exemptions from import taxes on the certified products in certain countries in Africa and Asia where electrification is being promoted in areas without electricity, and that national governments of these counties will give preferential treatment for individual import authorization and adoption in projects.
Akari Solar Light Kit solar power system for household use
Akari Solar Light Kit is a small-sized solar power system for household use equipped with one of GS Yuasa’s long-life batteries.
By charging the battery during the day using the solar panel, it is possible to use LED lights during the night and charge mobile phones.
The product is equipped with two LED lights, and one of these lights provides three to ten times the brightness of similar products that are available on site. The USB charging terminal the product is equipped with can be used charge things such as small rechargeable batteries (nickel-metal hydride batteries), electrical anti-mosquito devices, small fans, etc. This product could be used as a starter product for the electrification of households without electricity.
Conceivable applications
Our proposed product, Akari Solar Lighting System, is a self-sustained lighting system. It is not only one product but is wide range of products. All system has electricity generated by attached efficient solar panel and stored in a battery.
By utilizing the strengths of GS Yuasa’s battery technology, the lifespan of the product and hours of lighting bright LED is significantly long. It also enables to charge phones, radio battery and use other devices such as mosquito repellent, fan, TV, computer etc.
Not only the battery but all parts (solar, LED etc.) are durable that the system does not require frequent maintenance and cost after initial investment. We believe our proposed product is commercially suitable in developing countries where demand for lighting equipment, mobile phone charging, mosquito repellent, TV and so on.
Competitive advantage
The initial cost of similar products may be lower than that of our products however the lifespan can be short. In the long run, it is cheaper to buy our products. Lifespan of Solar is 20 years, LED is 6 years. Battery need replaced every 2 years or so. After initial investment, it does not require frequent maintenance and cost. In case it needs maintenance, it can be easily maintenanced.
Battery is the key device in our system. With our durable and large capacity battery, lifespan of the system is significantly longer. It also enables to use other devices such a mosquito repellent, fan, TV, cooler, computer, etc. which other similar products may not be possible.
Our system is not only product but is means of business. Concept of some system is mini business. It creates jobs for people. With this unique model, our system can be used sustainably.
Akari Solar Light System is wide range of products ranging from small to large. Smallest product is for basic lighting of home and charging phone. Largest enables to use fan, TV, cooler and computer etc. We also have Solar Street Light for public and private uses.
We have succeeded in setting up distributors in over 20 countries in different regions. For the basic lighting system, we have sold over 3,000 units worldwide. We are most progressing in Ethiopia. The system is bought by farmers living in the rural, people considered as BOP.
Users are very satisfied as they are saving money for not buying kerosene and saving time for not needing to go to far town to charge their phones. People are really satisfied with the bright LED claiming it is totally different from other products.
