Published: June 20, 2013
Original story here.
ST. LOUIS & THORNTON, COLO. — Every day as the sun sets around the world, 1.3 billion1 people without electricity either live in darkness or expose their families to the hazards of kerosene lighting.2,3 This year Energizer and Ascent Solar will be changing that scene for many rural families as they team up to donate 13 million hours of solar light working with the global nonprofit One Million Lights.
Energizer chose Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTI) to be the solar panel provider for the donated Energizer lanterns and lights because of Ascent’s award-winning, flexible thin-film technology and interest in using their transformational technology to benefit families in developing nations. Unlike other traditional solar solutions, Ascent’s CIGS technology is both flexible and rugged, ensuring that the lighting system will remain operational even in extreme conditions. Additionally the lightweight attributes of Ascent’s state-of-the-art photovoltaic modules enable the entire system to be far more portable than systems that use traditional crystalline-based technology.
“We are humbled that Energizer chose Ascent as the solar panel provider for the donation to One Million Lights,” said John Maslanik, Ascent’s Manager of Business Development. “Now and looking into the future, we are excited to see our transformational solar technology leveraged to provide not just light but opportunity in the developing world.”
The Ascent Solar panels will be used in a 7-LED Energizer® Rechargeable Lantern and a 4-LED Energizer® Rechargeable Area Light. Both solar solutions provide a safe, cost-effective alternative to traditional kerosene lamps for rural families.
“Many families living without electricity spend up to half of their income on kerosene lighting, which provides inadequate illumination, is hazardous to a family’s health and poor for the environment,” said Anna Sidana, founder of One Million Lights. “The solar lights provided by Energizer and Ascent will not only help families save money but allow them to work, study and play a little longer each day, helping to increase their overall quality of life.”
The mission of One Million Lights is to improve the daily lives of children and adults by providing clean and healthy solar lighting through its international distribution programs. Energizer began working with One Million Lights in 2011 with the launch of the Energizer Night Race for a Brighter World, a global series of nighttime running events where participants raced at night by the light of an Energizer headlight to raise awareness for the global need for safe, affordable lighting. In its first year, the Energizer Night Race for a Brighter World featured more than 30 races in 20 countries, donating 11 million hours of solar light. In 2012, Energizer donated an additional 12 million hours of solar light through its support of One Million Lights.
Its work with One Million Lights is part of a philosophy at Energizer called “that’s positivenergy™,” which represents a commitment to product performance combined with programs and partnerships that make a positive impact on the world.
“We are inspired to see and hear how our solar lights are changing families’ lives around the globe,” said Michelle Atkinson, Chief Marketing Officer, Energizer Household Products. “Today we couldn’t be prouder than to be working with Ascent Solar because they are a great example of a company using their revolutionary technology to make a difference in underserved communities.”
The Energizer and Ascent Solar lighting systems will begin being distributed to families in the summer of 2013. For more information, go to www.ascentsolar.com, www.energizerglobalnightrace.com and onemillionlights.org.
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1 2011 World Energy Outlook, International Energy Agency
2 Alternatives to fuel based lighting in rural areas: lbl.gov, Evan Mills (2006), http://evanmills.lbl.gov/presentations/fuel_based_lightinggrocc.pdf
Mills (2005), Mills (2010), United States Environmental Protection Agency (2010), Radecksy (2009), www.epa.gov
3 World Health Organization Report (2002), http://www.who.int/wshr/2002/en/whr02_en.pdf
About Ascent
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules using flexible substrate materials that can transform the way solar power generation integrates into everyday life. Ascent Solar’s technology, which was named one of TIME Magazine’s 50 best inventions for 2011, can be directly incorporated into standard building materials, commercial transportation, automotive solutions, space applications, consumer electronics for portable power and durable off-grid solutions. More information can be found at www.ascentsolar.com or www.goenerplex.com.
About Energizer
Energizer Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: ENR], headquartered in St. Louis, MO, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of primary batteries, portable flashlights and lanterns. Energizer is a global leader in the dynamic business of providing power solutions with a full portfolio of products including Energizer® brand battery products, Energizer® MAX® premium alkaline; Energizer® Ultimate Lithium; Energizer® Advanced Lithium; Rechargeable batteries and charging systems; and portable flashlights and lanterns. Visit www.energizer.com, www.facebook.com/energizerbunny.
About One Million Lights
One Million Lights is a registered nonprofit with a mission to improve the daily lives of children and adults by providing clean and healthy solar lighting. Its goal is to distribute one million solar lights and replace dangerous and polluting kerosene lamps.
One Million Lights provides clean, safe, affordable solar lighting to rural communities around the world through its international distribution programs, made possible by partnerships and donations. These solar lights enable children to study at night and adults to extend their workday, all while eliminating carbon emissions, improving household health, and greatly increasing income savings.
For more information on One Million Lights, please visit onemillionlights.org, www.facebook.com/onemillionlights and http://twitter.com/#!/millionlights.
Forward-Looking Statements
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