Energizer Selects Ascent Solar as Solar Panel Provider for Energizer Lantern Donation, Which Will Deliver 13 Million Hours of Solar Light to Families Living in the Dark Around the World
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 www.onemillionlights.org.
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 www.onemillionlights.org,
www.facebook.com/onemillionlights
and http://twitter.com/#!/millionlights.
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