SDF

Alfredo MOSER, Illac DIAZ & Claire RIGBY

Lightbulb Moment : Bringing Free Light into Dark Homes Worldwide

In 2002, the Brazilian mechanic Alfredo Moser had a flash of inspiration, coming up with a way to light his house during the day without electricity. Using a clear plastic bottle filled with water and a dash of bleach, the simple invention, known as the ‘Moser Lamp’, channels the sun’s rays to bring free illumination of between 40W and 60W flooding into homes worldwide, particularly in regions in which electricity is a luxury. In the Philippines, Illac Diaz of the MyShelter Foundation has worked tirelessly to spread the bright idea and take it to the next level, developing a version that functions night and day using simple solar panels and batteries. His ‘Liter of Light’ project has installed more than 140,000 bottle bulbs in the Philippines alone, helping to generate self-reliance and employment at the same time. The British journalist Claire Rigby brings Alfredo Moser and Illac Diaz together to talk about their brilliant, life-transforming ideas.