Nokero = NO KEROSENE

A Denver inventor is capturing sunlight in a light bulb. The result? People without electricity, who once had to suffer from the toxic fumes of kerosene lamps if they wanted light at night can now enjoy clean, free light thanks to Denver-based Nokero and its solar light bulb.

It is estimated that almost 1.6 billion people on this planet live without electricity. To have light in the darkness, toxic fuels like kerosene are traditionally used to fuel lanterns. The lantern light comes at a high price, since the fumes pollute habitats and endanger the health of those living inside.

Inventor Stephen Katsaros aptly named the solar light he developed Nokero, short for “no kerosene.” The solar battery powered LED-type solar-powered bulb measures 70mm by 125mm and emits light for between two and four hours, depending on the charge.

Such a clean, low-cost technology might eventually make lighting fuel like kerosene obsolete. The Nokero website states that 5 percent of the average user’s income is spent of fuel for lighting. The price of a Nokero bulb and charger package is $15.

The Nokero story has been featured on National Geographic and Denver television station, KCNC-4, among others.

The Nokero bulb is being manufactured in Hong Kong, under the business heading, Nokero International, LTD. According to Nokero’s website, this manufacturing base allows the company to deliver “the world’s only solar powered light bulb at a quality and price point that can not be met by the traditional manufacturing / distribution chain.

On its website, Nokero states that its vision is “to provide solar light bulbs to replace kerosene lanterns used throughout the world. We work with dealers, non-governmental organizations (NGO), donors, and proactive groups around the world to make this vision a reality.”

May it become so.