Sustainable solar lamp wins global design award

A solar-powered light that Edinburgh researchers created from recycled plastics and ethically-sourced electronic components has won a prestigious design accolade. The portable lamp and charger, which is built to promote responsible production and cut electronic waste, scooped a prize at the iF Product Design Awards. Aimed at families without access to mains electricity in low-income countries, it has been designed by a team in the University’s School of Social and Political Science.

The device – known as the Solar What?! – was built in partnership with Edinburgh-based design agency Cramasie. It is powered using mobile phone batteries and can be repaired with non-specialist tools and charged from a range of second-hand solar modules. Solar What?! was selected from more than 7,000 entries by a panel of 78 international design experts from more than 20 countries.