Stories
Stories, know-how and news from our solar factory in Johannesburg.
Our stories
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Our story
From an idea against candles and paraffin lamps to a solar factory at Victoria Yards — told from Johannesburg.
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Why Sonnenglas?
You can buy a solar lamp at the discount store for next to nothing. So why a Sonnenglas? Our honest answer.
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From solder joint to design award
How a hand-soldered circuit board became SOMO Gen 6 — born out of necessity in Johannesburg, today award-winning and made in Africa.
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One light for everything
How the sixth-generation SOMO came to be: a light module that moves from jar to Light Carafe to Adventure Mount — and gets replaced instead of retired.
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Into the open
From candle replacement to a night by the lake: why our light belongs outdoors — and what it has to prove out there.
Latest posts
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The light that was there: making our brand film
Our brand film won a craft award for its direction at the IDIDTHAT Craft Awards. Friends of ours shot it on a journey through South Africa and eSwatini — with nothing but the light that was there.
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Wire, cloth, sun — the making of the Lightshade
A wire frame, a shweshwe cover, a cork, the SOMO on top: that is how a bottle becomes a table lamp. Six months from the idea to the finished Lightshade — and what we learned on the way.
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Riders of the Sun
They meet to ride. We brought SOMOs. An evening about a light that adapts to whatever is needed — even when it's improvised.
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Halloween: magical light for spooky nights
4 creative DIY ideas with Sonnenglas As the days draw shorter and mist creeps through the streets, excitement builds for the most atmospheric night of the year. Instead of relying on single-use decorations or…
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Fair Trade, experiencing diversity
Fair Trade – experiencing diversity A look behind the scenes at the Sonnenglas® Factory in South Africa for Fair Trade Week 2026 Fair Trade Week 2026 From September 11 to 25, all of Germany focuses on Fair Trade: Fair…
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A bright start to the school year
How to create the ultimate back-to-school gift with Sonnenglas® and bring a little magic to every young adventurer’s routine A whole new chapter begins Late summer brings a very special kind of magic and anticipation:…
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Summer in a jar
How to capture the sunshine and turn simple moments into unforgettable summer memories with Sonnenglas® When summer tells its story Summer has a magic all of its own: the soothing sound of rolling waves, the crisp…
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Sonnenglas® wins the 2026 AIDA Award
Sonnenglas® wins the 2026 AIDA Award: A Milestone for Design "Made in Africa" There are moments when we have to pause and realize just how far we’ve come. Today is one of those days. We are beyond thrilled to announce…
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Fair Trade from the very beginning – Fair Trade audit & WFTO membership
Handcrafted in Africa, driven by a vision for tomorrow For years, Sonnenglas has already been shining as a recognized supplier of the ‘Weltladen’ Association, which certifies Fair Trade practices, ensuring that our…
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A light from the heart: your mum's personal sunshine this Mother's Day
Your mum's personal sunshine this Mother's Day Mother's Day is just around the corner: a moment to pause and express our gratitude to all the mums who make our lives brighter. Every year, we seek a gift that transcends…
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Sunny Easter greetings
Creative ideas for a radiant celebration Easter is the perfect time to make your celebrations shine in a special light. With Sun Jars as gifts in your Easter basket, you might just give the…
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Women power at Sonnenglas: diversity and strength on International Women’s Day
Diversity and strength on International Women’s Day March 8th is not just a date on our calendar; it is a global call to celebrate the strength, creativity, and diversity of women. This day reminds us how far we have…
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