d.Light D180

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The product is sold by online retailers and locally through d.Light’s 25,000 retail outlets across 70 countries worldwide.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The product is mass-produced in China.

Intellectural Property Type

Open Source

User Provision Model

Users purchase the d.Light D180 Solar Home System directly from one of d.Light’s partners with 25,000 retail outlets across 70 countries worldwide or online.

Distributions to Date Status

No data is available on distributions of the D180. Beyond the D180, d.Light has sold over 20 million solar lights and power products in over 65 countries through the four centers in Africa, China, South Asia, and the United States, based on calculations done using d.light's developing world sales and United Nations and International Finance Corporation research.

Design Specifications

The d.Light D180 is comprised of a 12 Wp Polycrystalline silicon solar panel, a 10,000 mAh, 3.2 V Lithium iron phosphate battery and a solar controller, 2 LED bulbs and 1 LED tube light (each with wall switches), and a USB port for phone charging. Also included are a rechargeable portable torch (with 2000 mAh, 3.7 V battery), a rechargeable solar FM radio (600 mAh, 3.7 V battery), and a universal USB adaptor for mobile phone charging. The individual lamps each emit 120 lm of white light in wide distribution on their high brightness setting and the torch emits 75 lm of white light on its high brightness setting. The battery and solar controller unit shows the credit remaining based on current Pay-as-you-go payments and current battery levels on an LCD screen. Additional details can be found in Lighting Global's Specifications Book from their testing of the D1XX Family.

Technical Support

Products within the 2 year warranty period (from the date of purchase) can be returned to the retailer at a user’s point of purchase for replacement free of charge. Beyond that, d.Light provides customer support (contact details available here).

Replacement Components

Except for the FM radio and torch being covered by a 1-year warranty, the product has a 2-year warranty covering manufacturing defects.

Lifecycle

5+ years

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

D.Light specify that the D180 is capable of "bright lighting in several rooms at once in homes and businesses" and "charging mobile phones and other small, USB-powered devices". They also expect users to be able to "us[e] the FM radio to stay up-to-date on important news" and use the torch as portable lighting inside and outside. They also intend for the users to be able to upgrade their D180 with additional lamps. The product page described that the battery should last "Up to 12 hours of light per full charge" and that it should emit light "20x brighter than kerosene".

Vetted Performance Status

Lighting Global confirmed that the d.Light D180 complies (verification document) with the Lighting Global Quality Standards by testing according to the Quality Test Method given in edition 3 of IEC/TS 62257-9-5. The results can be found here and certification is valid until August 31, 2021. The testing categories (all passed) are Truth In Advertising; Lumen Maintenance; Circuit and Overload Protection; AC-DC Charger Safety; Wiring and Connector Safety; Hazardous Substances Ban; Battery Protection; Battery Durability; PV Overvoltage Protection; Miswiring Protection; Physical Ingress Protection; Water Ingress Protection; Drop Test; Soldering and Electronics Workmanship; Mechanical Durability; Cable Specifications; User Manual; Component Specification and Replacement; Minimum Warranty Terms; Performance Reporting.

Safety

This Solar Home System is a plug and play device, however, electrical installation and control guidelines provided by d.Light must be followed to avoid electrical shocks.

Complementary Technical Systems

d.Light commercializes multiple solar products from solar lanterns and solar home systems to solar appliances.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

This product meets the Lightning Global Quality Standards for Solar Home System Kits valid until August 31, 2021. Through the same testing by Lighting Global, it was found to also comply with IEC Technical Specification 62257-9-5.

Other Information

d.Light has won several awards and recognition since 2007. All the details can be seen here. This case study video highlights the impact of a d.Light Solar Home System in Kenya has had.