d.Light X-series

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The X-series SHSs are 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 d.Light X-series. Beyond the X-series, d.Light have 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 specifications for the d.Light X-series vary for different models. Those currently available are the X500, X850, X1000 and X2000, however the best summary of the specifications for each is provided by Lighting Global's specifications sheet from their testing of this product family. The systems include a solar PV module ranging from 25 - 80 Wp, a 12.8 V lithium iron phosphate battery ranging from 5600 mAh - 12,000 mAh, two to four hanging LED bulbs (200 lm), an LED tube light (400 - 600 lm) and a d.Light TV. The TVs vary from 19" to 32" HD displays with in-built DVBT-2 or DVBT-2+S2 tuner and the largest TV also includes a CI slot. Optional on smaller X-series models and included with larger are a portable torch (75 lm LED; 1800 mAh, 3.7 V battery) and an FM radio (1000 mAh, 3.7 V battery). The battery and solar controller unit has 3 USB outlets and shows the credit remaining based on current Pay-as-you-go payments and current battery level on an LCD screen.  

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 provide customer support (contact details available here).

Replacement Components

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

Lifecycle

5+ years lifetime

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

D.Light specify that the X-series is capable of "lighting up your entire home with bright lights", "powering larger d.Light appliances" (including a solar LED TV or fan) and "charging multiple mobile phones and other small, USB-powered devices". For the larger models, users can "us[e] the FM radio to stay up-to-date on important news or relax with music" and use the torch as portable lighting inside and outside. They also intend for the users to be able to upgrade their d.Light X-series with additional LED bulbs, up to 8. The product pages for different X-series models indicate that it should emit light 40x - 60x brighter than kerosene.

Vetted Performance Status

Lighting Global confirmed that the d.Light X-series (described as SHS Family) 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 30, 2020. 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

The X-series Solar Home Systems are a plug and play devices, 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. Several of the appliances including a d.Light fan and additional LED bulbs can be powered by the X-series but are not included with the system purchase.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

This product meets the Lightning Global Quality Standards for Solar Home System Kits valid until August 30, 2020. Through the same testing by Lighting Global, it was found to also comply with IEC Technical Specification 62257-9-5. The factory where the product is constructed complies with ISO standards ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001:2004 – Environmental Management Systems.

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 a d.Light Solar Home System in Kenya has had.