What Does “Good” Design Mean? 

But what exactly is the “good” design of Sonnenglas? The Good Design Award is about how a product enriches people's everyday lives and what values it conveys. Above all, the award honors the positive purpose that a product has for both people and the environment. With our latest generation, the Gen6, we have brought this award home again. The jury particularly highlighted the fact that the Gen6 has a number of new advantages compared to its previous model: independent usability of the SOMO solar light even without a solar lantern, greater brightness, longer running times, dimming function and optimized charging performance even with low sunlight. With these improvements, we want to support people around the world even better - whether it is as a light source in the event of a power failure, as a companion on adventure trips or as an atmospheric lamp for cozy evenings.

Bright Moments at Victoria Yards

To really understand what we mean by good design and social entrepreneurship, it's worth taking a look at South Africa - where it all begins. Every Sonnenglas product is lovingly handcrafted in our factory in Johannesburg. This production creates jobs while also supporting the community. Our solar light has become an essential companion here, especially during load shedding, the regular scheduled power cuts.

But as it turns out, sometimes you get an unexpected surprise. Just last week in Victoria Yards, where our factory is located, the power supply was cut for several days in a row when a cable was damaged. But thanks to our own photovoltaic system on the roof with more than 100 solar panels, we had enough energy to supply not only our factory but also our other affected neighbors with electricity. Extension cables were rolled out and in no time at all the lights were back on everywhere. A small step that proves that light can truly connect.

In the end, Sonnenglas is not just a product, but an expression of values that are important to us: Sustainability, community and a willingness to be there for one another. Sonnenglas brings light where it is needed - and sometimes these are not just the dark hours of the day, but the little surprises of life, whether in Japan, South Africa or anywhere else in the world.

With our solar lights, we not only want to offer a decorative product that has now won the prestigious Good Design Award, but also create experiences that bring people together all over the world. This was once again evident last weekend at the Sunday Market in Victoria Yards. With live music and creative artists from the region, the event was the highlight of the month, giving Sonnenglas the opportunity to share our vision and values. Because that's “the good thing” about the Sonnenglas design: it spreads light and joy, even in the most unexpected moments.