JuniorBuddy - Solar Lantern
Reduce up to 14 tonnes of COâ‚‚ by replacing hazardous fuels with clean solar lighting!
KidWind has partnered with SolarBuddy to bring a unique solar education and service-learning experience into classrooms across the U.S. through the JuniorBuddy.
The SolarBuddy Classpack combines hands-on STEM learning with real-world impact. Students build solar lights in the classroom, then return them to SolarBuddy to be delivered to children living without safe light.
This creates two layers of value:
- In the classroom: students learn solar energy, sustainability, and global energy challenges through practical application
- Beyond the classroom: each light is used by a child, reducing reliance on hazardous fuels, improving health and education outcomes, and saving families money
Schools also receive impact reporting to share measurable outcomes with their community.
We have three different versions of this kit.
The TestPack – Want to see what the JuniorBuddy is all about? Get two to test, evaluate and construct.  One for you to keep and one for a student somewhere in the SolarBuddy network. Â
The ClassPack – Working with a group of students, get the ClassPack with 11 lanterns. One for you to keep and 10 for students across the globe.Â
The SchoolPack – Having an large training event? The SchoolPack contains 50 lights for you to assemble and return.Â
How it Works:
- Each kit includes JuniorBuddy lights
- Students assemble the lights while learning about solar energy and an equitable clean energy transition
- Completed lights are returned to KidWind for testing and distribution 1 light is kept by the educator as a future demo
Each kit includes a free return label, making it simple to send the lights back and ensure they reach communities in need.
Looking to teach more about solar? Pair this experience with additional solar projects like the Solar Imagination Kit and Sunshine in a Jar Kit, offering different ways for students to explore solar energy in the classroom.
Why is each light $50? Yikes! That seems like a lot!
JuniorBuddy is a robust, highly engineered device with:
- 10+ year lifespan
- Durability in harsh conditions (heat, dust, humidity)
- High-quality components and rigorous testing
- Reduced failure and minimal waste
Additionally our partners at SolarBuddy must ship and support these lights around the world. SolarBuddy also spends lots of time evaluating local partners and non-profits who will distribute and repair these devices as they are distributed and used by local students. The last thing we all want to happen is for the lights or their components to stop working and end up in local landfills.Â
Each light is not just built, but relied on by a child daily.
What is Energy Poverty?
Energy poverty is one of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges global communities are facing.
Globally, over 660 million people live without access to electricity, and 2.1 billion still rely on polluting fuels for cooking. Without access to clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, communities are unable to meet their most basic needs, such as lighting, cooking, heating, cooling and charging.
Learn more here – https://data.undp.org/blog/1-18-billion-around-the-world-in-energy-poverty