EcoZoom: The Multi Light

Product Description

Launched by EcoZoom, the Solar Multi Light is a Solar Home Power system which provides home lighting. The product is composed of a waterproof solar panel, a portable power bank and three orange solar-powered bulbs. The pendant lamps have two-level brightness (150/75 lumens), providing 8 hours of lightning per bulb. The product comes with a 5 m cable for the solar panel, the power bank charging cable and a 0,25 m (10 in) mobile charging cable

EcoZoom operation and production center is located in Nairobi, Kenya.

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

EcoZoom along with partner NGOs from Kenya.

Design Specifications

Design specifications include: a solar panel, a battery and three solar lamps. The solar module is a polycrystalline silicon panel with 6 Wp of maximum power point and with an aluminium frame. The battery is Lithium-Ion type with 3,7 V of nominal voltage and 2600 mAh capacity. EcoZoom lamps are LED type and have two light outputs: 150 and 75 lumens. All orange bulbs have red LED lights that indicate when bulbs are charging. The product is designed for user-customization. For example, additional modules, bulbs, or power banks can be purchased from the manufacturer.^{Interview with the representative}

Technical Support

The manufacturers claim that no specific training is needed to operate this product. However, there is an instructional video on how to use the product and the system comes with a user manual. For further support, users must contact the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

Replacement components are available. Most of the modules are independent in the sense that they don't need to be connected to a central battery source to be operational. The light points have a battery installed within the unit and need to be connected to the solar module for charging purposes only. Once the battery is full the component can be disconnected from the solar panel and be used as the customer wills; either as a torch or can be hung from the ceiling as a bulb. The same is the case for the power banks and the small radio. The battery for the light point can easily be replaced by use of a star screw driver. The batteries are however not available off the shelf but can be acquired from the manufacturer as an after sales service.^{Interview with the representative}

Lifecycle

This product has a 2-year warranty and an estimated battery lifecycle of 3 years.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

EcoZoom aims to meet the energy needs of Kenyan off-grid families with solar-powered solutions that combine a variety of portable components (solar panels, power bank and orange bulbs) to meet the needs of specific families. From smaller combinations (one light and a panel) to family size combinations with 4 bulbs, two power banks and a radio.

Vetted Performance Status

This Solar Home System has been tested by Lightning Global. In the tests conducted it was found that the light bulbs achieve a run time (in a typical solar charging day, assuming 5 kWh/m²/day) of 4.7 and 4.5 hours when charged alone and in combination with the battery respectively. For the battery, the same test conducted (alone and combined charging) found that when charged alone, 1 and 0.3 full phone charges can be achieved. Regarding the lighting performance, it was found that the three lamps achieve a light output of 120 lm at high brightness setting, with lumen efficacy of 95 lm/W and lumen maintenance of 104%.

Safety

The Solar Home power is a plug and play device, however, electrical installation and control guidelines provided by EcoZoom must be followed to avoid electrical shocks.

Complementary Technical Systems

EcoZoom commercializes a variety of solar home systems (from one to multiple lamps) that can be integrated with this model.