Panasonic boosts solar lanterns CR initiative

Japanese electronics giant Panasonic is boosting its  aim to donate a total of 100 thousand solar lanterns to locations without electricity by 2018, with a new initiative called “Cut Out the Darkness”.

The supplementary programme to the original 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project will produce solar lantern shades based on designs created by visitors to a bespoke website. Panasonic says the rationale behind the initiative is to involve people around the world in the project and to make those participants aware of issues in the regions without electricity.

Currently around 1.32bn people are without access to electricity worldwide, and many homes in the regions use kerosene lamps for lighting, but the fire and smoke from these lamps pose serious fire and health risks. The lack of electric lighting also means significant challenges in the areas of health, education, and the economy. 

The project is based on a website that enables users to design a cutout and see a virtual shade image on-screen while working on the design. When finished, the design can be submitted online, and displayed in the “Design Archives.” Based on a popularity poll by site visitors, the best 100 shade designs will be chosen and produced by a laser cutter into lantern shades true to the original cutout designs.

Designs contributed by 11 acclaimed paper-cut artists, who are supporting the project, are showcased on the site and made into lantern shades. 

The progress of the project will be reported and updated regularly on the project website, and the “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project” Facebook page.

Visit the site here.