The inventors behind the original GravityLight have submitted an Indiegogo campaign to fund a new version called GravityLight 2 claiming to design even better solution as well as helping local community creating local jobs with local assembly in Kenya.

What is GravityLight 2

GravityLight is a mechanically powered light, is a trademark light designed and produced by the company Deciwatt Ltd from London, UK to help people struggling in developing and third-world countries without a simple resources such as light which we take for granted. As the name clearly suggests GravityLight 2 is the second generation of GravityLight, an innovative solution that generates power from the lift of a weight connected to generator, producing energy from the power of gravity pulling the weight down to earth. After successfully raising almost $400,000 by 6,219 backers exceeding their goal by 627% they are back with the new and improved design which promises to deliver brighter, more robust product which is easier to used and provides light even when it’s being charged with the same goal to make GravityLight primarily as a safe, clean and affordable alternative to kerosene lamps.

The benefits of GravityLight comparing to kerosene lamps as they stated are numerous:

• Fumes: estimates of 780 million women and children breathe kerosene fumes, which is an equivalent to inhaling 40 cigarettes a day, World Bank estimates
• Wealth: the cost of kerosene is a poverty trap for the poorest population as it consumes up to 30% of their income
• Fire: 1.5 million of people in India suffer severe burns each year primarily due to overturned kerosene lamps, spreading to fires rapidly across slums and refugee camps
• Environment: collectively kerosene lamps cause 3% of the world CO2 emissions…

How does a GravityLight Work?

GravityLight: Made in Africa from GravityLight on Vimeo.

The GravityLight uses the power of gravity to produce electricity. It mechanism is powered by a bag filled with rocks, earth, or any other material weighting 12kg attached by a cord to the light. The weight, which is lifted by pulling the bead cord several times, when released falls very slowly, and in turn produces electricity driving a DC generator. This generates just under a tenth of a watt, used to power onboard LED providing a task lighting. Once the weight bag reaches floor it simply can be lifted again to repeat the process.

 If you would like to support the project you can back their indigogo campaign.

UPDATE: Gravity Lite is already available to purchase. To get more details and current prices you can follow the link to GravityLight.