Panasonic Corporation is set to launch a solar LED lantern that doubles as a charger for people living in areas without electricity.

With a built-in rechargeable battery to store solar energy during the day, the lantern provides light at night and can also be used as a power source to charge small mobile devices, such as mobile phones, said a statement.

The company plans to bring the lantern to regions without electricity, starting from Asia and Africa in December, it said. The functions of the BG-BL03 Solar LED Lantern, such as 360-degree illumination and a charging time of approximately six hours, make it practical and convenient for everyday use in these areas.

About 1.3 billion people, or approximately 20 per cent of the world's population, are still living without electricity. Many of these people use kerosene lamps for lighting.

In addition, there are also problems with the infrastructure for charging mobile phones, which have become a popular communication tool in areas without electricity.

The new portable lantern, with a 3.5-watt output solar panel and a USB port, offers a clean and safe alternative as a light source as well as a power source, said the statement.

It can be used safely in rain, as it comes with an ingress protection rating of IP34 set by the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) for dust and water resistance.

It will be launched in Kenya, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Malaysia, followed by other countries. Starting with the solar lantern, its first product for BOP markets, Panasonic will continue to accelerate the development and strengthen product development to help improve the lives of people in regions without electricity. - TradeArabia News Service