Ikea recently launched the Solvinden solar- and wind-powered outdoor lamp.

The Solvinden outdoor lamp, designed by David Wahl, has a built-in light emitting diode (LED) bulb with a lifetime of about 20,000 hours.

The lamp does not require any electricity (meaning it is cordless and plug-less), because it is powered by sunlight and wind.

At an affordable $29.99, the Solvinden outdoor lamps are made from white or colored recyclable materials (according to Inhabitat) and can make interesting light effects with they rotate in the wind.

Solar and Wind Powered: Charging the Solvinden Outdoor LED

The lamp includes a rechargeable battery that stores light from the sun. It takes about 9-12 hours to charge on a sunny day, but can take over 12 hours to charge on a cloudy day.

Wind traveling at 4 m/s will charge the lamp in 24 hours.

Therefore, Ikea recommends placing the lamps in areas with maximum exposure to both sun and wind for the shortest charge time.

 

LEED's Solvinden outdoor lamps could contribute to LEED for New Construction in the following credit categories:

• Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Prerequisite 2, Minimum Energy Performance (0 points): This prerequisite establishes a minimum level of energy performance for the LEED project. The Solvinden requires zero electricity, meaning it can help contribute to this credit.

• EA Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance (1-19 points): This credit awards points based on the percentage improvement over the minimum energy efficiency level established in EA Prerequisite 2. Again, the Solvinden requires no electricity, which can help it to maximize the building's energy performance.

It is important to note that the Solvinden lamp will affect Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit 8, Light Pollution Reduction (1 point). This credit aims to reduce sky-glow, which minimizes impact on nocturnal species and improves nighttime visibility. To meet this credit, exterior lighting cannot exceed the densities listed in ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007.

It may be challenging to reduce the lighting pollution from Solvinden lamps because of their unique slotted shape. Consult with a lighting designer or the project's engineer to see if Solvinden can help to meet this credit.

Related Products:

• Philips EnduraLED: A-Shape LED Lamp



• GE Evolve LED Lights



• Green Apple Energy T8-LED Lamp