Sonnenglas® Eco Impact
Our Commitment to Climate Protection
Solar Energy for a Green Future
At Sonnenglas, we are redefining light by tapping into the endless energy source of the sun. Our products serve as CO₂-neutral lighting alternatives to conventional lamps and candles. By day, they harness solar energy and transform it into clean, emission-free LED light by night. This is an eco-friendly solution that requires no outlet and produces zero CO₂ emissions.
However, it's not just our products that set new standards in sustainability; it's also how they’re made. Our production facility in Johannesburg is powered 90% by solar energy, enabling us to consider our ecological footprint right from the manufacturing stage.
Green High Tech
There’s a persistent belief that electronics and environmental conservation are incompatible. At Sonnenglas, we debunk this myth by showcasing how sustainability in the electronics industry is feasible. Central to our efforts is the SOMO Solar Light - an exemplary model of "Green High Tech." This innovative technology efficiently stores solar energy, even with minimal sunlight, and releases it as environmentally friendly light.
What Makes the Solar Light Sustainable?
The SOMO Gen 6 is more than just a light source, it powers all the products in the Sonnenglas solar ecosystem, from the classical Sun Jar to the Light Carafe and the Adventure Mount. Cutting-edge battery technology allows for an impressive light duration of up to 100 hours per charge (depending on the model and brightness setting). This not only means you can enjoy prolonged warm lighting, but it also saves 100 hours of electricity and CO₂ emissions each time compared to traditional light sources.
Durable Battery Technology
Less frequent charging cycles extend lifespan, minimizing battery waste
Highly Efficient Solar Cells
Utilize solar energy even in low light, reducing grid reliance significantly.
Sustainable Materials
Recyclable components and durable materials systematically reduce waste
Minimal Resource Consumption
Adjustable LEDs consume only necessary energy, leading to significant power savings
Modular Structure
Swappable components enable easy repairs, extending product lifespan greatly
Flexible Design
Each SOMO seamlessly integrates in all Sonnenglas products for flexible usability
Modular System
Our design philosophy centers on modularity, so you don’t have to buy a whole new product if something breaks. For example, our Sun Jar consists of five separate components. Each of these parts can be easily replaced, ensuring that you never have to replace the entire product.
This approach significantly contributes to waste reduction. By opting to repair rather than replace, you actively minimize environmental impact and help extend the lifespan of our products even further. This modular approach makes repairs not only more affordable but also more accessible, saving you money while encouraging sustainable consumption.
Universal Applications
Sonnenglas is far more than just a simple solar light; it is a modular system designed from the ground up for sustainability and durability. With the SOMO Solar Module, you can enjoy the flexibility of our entire product range. Whether you need a bedside lamp, garden lantern, flashlight, or table lamp - Sonnenglas has you covered.
The SOMO Solar Light is universally versatile: use it in the Adventure Mount while camping, in the garden with the Sun Jar, at dinner with the Light Carafe, or even on its own as a handy pocket light for on-the-go use. Our solar system offers countless flexible application possibilities, seamlessly integrated into the design, so you can bring light precisely where you need it, without having to purchase a different product for each use. At Sonnenglas, sustainability is considered and implemented from the very beginning. Welcome to the solar system!
Eco-Friendly Production. Sustainability Throughout the Entire Process.
We are continuously working to minimize our carbon footprint and make our production as environmentally friendly as possible, starting with the careful selection of materials. This conscious choice not only ensures high-quality end products but also protects both people and the environment from negative effects.
Photovoltaic System
We recognize that our solar products already have an environmental impact during the manufacturing process. That's why we are committed to making our production as sustainable as possible. Our Johannesburg facility is powered 90% by solar energy. With 105 photovoltaic panels on our factory’s roof, generating 40 kW of power, we can produce Sonnenglas products virtually carbon-neutrally.
Sustainable Materials
Wherever possible, we use recycled and sustainable materials, from the raw materials to the packaging of our products. For example, the glasses of our Sun Jars are made from recycled glass, significantly reducing waste. The glass for our Light Carafes is also 100% recycled and is melted down in a furnace powered by used cooking oil, ensuring extra sustainability and conserving resources.
Fair Solder
Another example is our solder: While traditional tin mining often involves questionable working conditions and environmental impacts, we have chosen a different path. Our fair trade solder is sourced from a guaranteed sustainable supply chain. It comes from verified and certified producers in emerging markets or is obtained from highly pure secondary raw materials of European origin, combining social responsibility with environmental awareness.
Global Components, Local Responsibility
It’s impossible to manufacture an electronic product entirely in one location. Our production in South Africa requires importing some electronic components: the LEDs come from Korea, the microcontrollers from Taiwan, and the batteries from China. Despite the international nature of these components, we ensure that our entire supply chain is fair and sustainable.
We maintain long-term relationships with our Asian suppliers and regularly visit them in person to get a firsthand view. These visits allow us to guarantee fair working conditions and strict environmental standards. Additionally, all our suppliers are required to sign our stringent Code of Conduct, which includes our sustainability requirements.
International Awards. The Most Awarded Solar Light of All Time.
By consistently combining outstanding design with sustainable values, our products have been honored with over 20 international awards, including prestigious accolades such as the Big See, Good Design, iF Design, Red Dot, and Social Products Award. These honors demonstrate that environmental protection, social responsibility, and stylish design can go hand in hand.
The First Solar Light with the "Blue Angel"
Sonnenglas proudly bears the "Blue Angel" eco-label – the first solar lamp ever to receive this demanding certification. This esteemed label, issued by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV), represents the highest environmental friendliness and confirms the high sustainability standards met by our products. But there's more: since 2019, we have also been recognized as a supplier by the World Shops Association, affirming our commitment as a certified Fair Trade employer in South Africa.
Upgrade & Repurpose. Second Life for Old Solar Modules.
Our Upgrade & Repurpose Program embodies our closed-loop philosophy. It allows you to return your old SOMO solar module to us and receive a discounted new SOMO of the 6th generation (since 2022) in return. Meanwhile, your old SOMO solar module gets a second life with us.
Upgrade
Our Return System
If your SOMO is old or defective, you can simply send it back to us. We carefully inspect each returned module to determine whether it can be repaired and reused or recycled. Usable components are salvaged and incorporated into recycling initiatives to prevent the creation of electronic waste. In South Africa, you can drop off such modules at any Consol Shop, and throughout Europe, you can return your old SOMO through our take-back system. As a thank you, you receive a voucher to upgrade to the latest generation.
Repurpose
Light for the Community
The "Tree of Lights" in Victoria Yards is a shining example of how still-functional old modules can find new purpose. This is an installation designed, assembled, and built by local artists in Johannesburg. No materials were purchased for the tree; all components were sourced locally and contributed by nearby businesses, making it 100 percent recycled. The "Tree of Lights" stands over 5 meters tall, with its trunk spanning more than 5 meters in width. All the solar modules are connected to a charge controller that manages the power supply. Thus, the area is not only illuminated every evening but also provides a playground for local children. Whether for organized reading meetings, craft evenings, or hiding on the tree's integrated platform, it offers a welcoming space.