Solar Power: Little Sun Diamond

WORDS Lindi Brownell Meiring IMAGES courtesy of Little Sun and Studio Olafur Eliasson VIDEO via Little Sun on Vimeo

Designer and artist Olafur Eliasson revealed the Little Sun Diamond lamp at Design Indaba earlier this year – and now this nifty product is officially launching worldwide.

This follows five years of the original Little Sun solar LED lamp, which debuted at the World Economic Forum in 2012, and has since its launch seen 500 000 units distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa to communities living without electricity.

Both the Little Sun and the Little Sun Diamond are weather-resistant, UV-resistant power packs that help to make life easier after dark in rural areas. Sales of the lamps in areas with electricity subsidise the distribution to areas where electricity is not available at reduced, more affordable prices.

The design of the featherweight Little Sun Diamond is inspired by the geometry of crystals, hence the faceted lens. The new addition to the Little Sun collection is smaller than the original and features a toned-down colour scheme and a handy stand for use as a reading light. Five hours of charging in the sun equals five hours of bright light, which eventually fades to a softer light.

This pocket-size lamp is available to purchase via littlesun.com/shop. It will also be making its way to South African shores at the beginning of 2018.