I wish to miniaturise sustainable power, making it a personal, tangible addition to our domestic lives. I have designed for a wide spread market, bringing small-scale sustainable power into our homes in a practical, affordable way, which contributes to an increase in general environmental awareness and concern. The main aim is to make sustainable living second nature to us by introducing it into people’s homes and minds on a very human level.

The “Solarstick” resembles a ‘modern day” candle that draws its energy from the sun by day and lights up by night. In the daylight, the solar cells charge the internal long life Ni-Cad battery. The power is stored until the lamp is switched on. I have used a florescent tube as the light source as it is low wattage (4 watts for 150mm fluorescent tube) and cheap. The bulbs are also widely available and easy to replace should they ever fail. The intention is that this is a low maintenance commercial product. This weatherproof product is totally nomadic due to its “wireless” nature so can exist anywhere the user wishes, indoors or out. In addition, due to its modern, durable materials, the lamp will not deteriorate or tarnish in the rain, frost or ultra-violet light. Simple snap and screw together assembly ensures responsible disposal and re-cycling.

“Solarstick” will last a lifetime, surrounding its user with light wherever they go preventing the unnecessary usage of additional, high wattage light sources around the living environment.