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How they lit up the lives of 2 million people

Two million people around the world today enjoy the benefits of affordable solar-powered lighting products, thanks to D.light design.

Eight months after D.light reached out to its one-millionth customer, this milestone was achieved, say company officials.

The company was founded in 2007 by Sam Goldman alongwith classmate Ned Tozun to offer affordable solar lighting solutions to bottom-of-the-pyramid households in India and other markets.

With an ambitious mission to reach out to about 1.6 billion people in the world without electricity, and another billion or more who have unreliable electricity, the company plans to launch more solar products in 2011.

It plans to reach out to 100 million people by the end of 2020.

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How they lit up the lives of 2 million people

"We're very proud to know that two million people around the world are benefiting from our products," said Sam Goldman, CEO, D.Light.

"This means hundreds of thousands of families are no longer reliant on kerosene lanterns or candles for light. They can save money every month, their children can study at night, and their homes are safer," he added.

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How they lit up the lives of 2 million people

Based on independent market studies of kerosene costs, current D.light customers will cumulatively save about $60 million over the lifetime of the products.

Increased productivity resulting from access to bright lighting will put another $65 million into the pockets of poor rural families.

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How they lit up the lives of 2 million people

The combined savings and increased income will provide more options for households in key areas such as health, education, communication and transport.

In addition, D.light products sold thus far, which replace one or two kerosene lanterns each, will reduce carbon emissions by at least 82,600 tons.

This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emitted from driving around the globe 9,283 times, or the weight of more than eight Eiffel Towers.

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How they lit up the lives of 2 million people

Recognised by the Cleantech Group as one of the world's top 100 market-changing cleantech companies, D.light is continuing to expand its reach across the globe and expects to reach its third-millionth customer in a few short months.

D.light design has sold solar lanterns to off-grid households in over 40 countries around the world.

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How they lit up the lives of 2 million people

Currently, the D.light solar product line includes D.Light S250, a premium solar lantern and mobile phone charger, D.Light S10, the world's most affordable solar lantern, and Solata S380, a high-quality solar task lamp.