Unite To Light
Unite To Light is a Santa Barbara-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manufactures and distributes solar-powered LED lights and phone chargers (Luke Light, Chandler Charger, Haven Lantern) to off-grid students, frontline health workers, disaster-affected communities, refugees, and US homeless populations via a Buy One | Give One model and humanitarian partner networks across eight or more countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersSanta Barbara, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Unite To Light does
Unite To Light is a Santa Barbara, California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 2010 by John Bowers, former Director of the UC Santa Barbara Institute for Energy Efficiency. The organization manufactures and distributes three solar-powered products — the Luke Light (a waterproof IP65, 20-lumen task light priced at $24), the Chandler Charger (an 8,000 mAh solar power bank at $70 capable of charging a phone 3-4 times), and the Haven Lantern (a multi-purpose lantern at $80 launched in March 2026). All products use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries charged via integrated solar panels and meet VeraSol (IEC TS 62257-9-8), CE, and RoHS certifications. Products are designed for harsh-environment durability (dust-proof, shock-proof, lightweight 6.45 oz Luke Light).
The organization's business model combines a Buy One | Give One social enterprise mechanism on its e-commerce storefront with tax-deductible donations (EIN: 27-2942180), a planned-giving Legacy of Light estate program, and corporate sponsorships (e.g., Oracle as presenting sponsor of the annual Illuminating Impact Symposium). It serves five primary end-user segments: students in off-grid communities, frontline health workers, US homeless populations, disaster-affected communities, and refugees — supplying donated units via distribution partners across the United States, South Africa, Honduras, Guatemala, Ghana, Bangladesh, Kenya, and the Philippines. Notable partners include UNFPA, World Central Kitchen, Solar Sister, WINKO Solar, Harm Reduction Therapy Center, and SAWA SAWA.
Distribution flows through two parallel channels: direct-to-consumer e-commerce on unitetolight.org (paying customers trigger an equivalent donated unit) and partner-organization distribution at humanitarian programs globally. Marketed reach includes a content blog, monthly "Bright News" newsletter, social media presence (Facebook, X, Instagram), Rotary Club fundraising partnerships, and the annual Illuminating Impact Symposium held in Santa Barbara around UNESCO's International Day of Light. During COVID-19, the organization distributed over 3,000 Chandler Chargers to US homeless populations, and South African student testing has documented 20-30% graduation rate improvements associated with solar light access.
Unite To Light firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Unite To Light
- Legal name
- Unite to Light
- Website
- https://unitetolight.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Unite To Light is a Santa Barbara-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manufactures and distributes solar-powered LED lights and phone chargers (Luke Light, Chandler Charger, Haven Lantern) to off-grid students, frontline health workers, disaster-affected communities, refugees, and US homeless populations via a Buy One | Give One model and humanitarian partner networks across eight or more countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Unite To Light industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Solar Lighting and Off-Grid Charging Products
- NAICS
- Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513)
- SIC
- Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialty & Task/Workstation Lighting (Inspection/task lights, cleanroom/food-grade, portable work lights) (IMAGAIAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Outdoor Lighting & Power (Headlamps, Batteries, Solar) Retail (CRAMAAAG), Smart Lighting & Electrical (Bulbs, Switches, Outlets, Panels) (HSAPAQAC)
Keywords
Where Unite To Light is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Barbara
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Unite To Light business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Others
Revenue model
- Product Sales (Buy One | Give One): The organization sells solar lights and chargers through its e-commerce website. Under the Buy One | Give One model, for every product purchased, an equivalent product is donated to someone in need. This creates a social enterprise model where consumer purchases directly fund donations.
- Direct Donations: Unite to Light accepts tax-deductible donations to fund solar light distribution. Donations of $10 provide a solar light to someone living without electricity. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 27-2942180).
- Planned Giving / Legacy Programs: Legacy of Light program allows supporters to include Unite to Light in their estate plans through bequests, IRA charitable distributions, pension plan beneficiary designations, and life insurance policy gifts.
- Corporate Sponsorships: The Illuminating Impact Symposium is sponsored by corporate partners including presenting sponsor Oracle, panel sponsors FLAS, COX, and Direct Relief, and community sponsors including Montecito Bank & Trust, UC Santa Barbara Institute for Energy Efficiency, and others.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Haven Lantern - Multi-purpose solar lantern for room lighting, camping, and emergency use |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Luke Light - Solar task light for reading, camping, and everyday carry |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Chandler Charger - Solar power bank for phones and devices |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Unite To Light product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Unite To Light manufactures and distributes three solar-powered lighting and charging products — the Luke Light (portable task light), the Chandler Charger (8000 mAh solar power bank), and the Haven Lantern (multi-purpose room/camp light). The organization operates a Buy One | Give One social enterprise model where every product purchased results in a donated unit to people without electricity, alongside direct donations and humanitarian partner distributions.
Product overview
Unite To Light offers a focused portfolio of three solar-powered lighting and charging products. The core offering consists of the Luke Light (a portable task light at $24), the Charger (an 8000 mAh solar power bank at $70), and the Haven Lantern (a multi-use lantern at $80). All products operate independently using solar power with lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and follow a Buy One | Give One model where each purchase results in a donated unit to someone without electricity.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Luke Light: A best-in-class, solar-powered task light designed for people living without electricity. It is waterproof IP65, weighs 6.45 ounces, and provides 16 hours of night light with a full battery.
- Charger (Chandler Charger)
- Haven Lantern
Products and services
- Luke Light A compact, waterproof (IP65) solar-powered task light delivering 20 lumens with a bendable arm for multi-position use. Provides up to 16 hours of night light on a full battery, features a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, weighs 6.45 ounces, and is VeraSol-certified meeting IEC TS 62257-9-8 quality requirements. Sold at $24 with the Buy One | Give One donation model.
- Chandler Charger A solar-powered 8000 mAh power bank weighing less than a pound, capable of charging cell phones 3-4 times. Includes flashlight functionality suitable for backpacking and emergency preparedness. Sold at $70 with the Buy One | Give One donation model.
- Haven Lantern A versatile solar-powered lantern providing room light, camp light, and general illumination for dark environments. Multi-purpose design for emergency and outdoor use. Sold at $80 with the Buy One | Give One donation model.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20-30% increase in graduation rates for students with solar lights (South Africa)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Unite To Light
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Unite To Light technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Unite To Light partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)coreUNFPA highlighted as a partner at the Illuminating Impact 2026 Symposium. UNFPA is the United Nations reproductive health agency that works to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
- Solar SistercoreSolar Sister CEO Olasimbo Sojinrin featured as a partner highlight at Illuminating Impact 2026. Solar Sister combines an award-winning solar technology with a direct sales network of women entrepreneurs in Africa.
- WINKO SolarcoreWINKO Solar founder Akonkwa Mubagwa featured at Illuminating Impact 2026. WINKO Solar provides solar energy solutions, representing local innovation in solar technology.
- World Central KitchencoreWorld Central Kitchen Director Marco Fabian Sanchez featured at Illuminating Impact 2026. WCK provides meals in crisis zones and has expanded to include solar lights for affected communities.
- Safe ParkingcoreSafe Parking Program Director Cassie Roach featured at Illuminating Impact 2026. Safe Parking provides safe parking locations for people living in vehicles in Santa Barbara.
- OracleflagshipPresenting sponsor of the Illuminating Impact 2026 Symposium. Oracle provides technology and financial support for the annual event.
- Direct ReliefflagshipPanel sponsor of Illuminating Impact 2026 and partner in global health initiatives. Direct Relief provides medical supplies and resources to healthcare organizations worldwide.
- UC Santa Barbara Institute for Energy EfficiencycoreCommunity sponsor of Illuminating Impact 2026. The Institute for Energy Efficiency at UCSB is a research center focused on energy efficiency technologies. Unite to Light founder John Bowers previously served as Director of the Institute.
- Brighten SolarcoreOfficial Solar Partner of Illuminating Impact 2026. Brighten Solar provides solar energy solutions and serves as a partner supporting the organization's solar technology mission.
- Harm Reduction Therapy Center (HRTC)core175 Chandler Chargers donated to HRTC in San Francisco for distribution to homeless clients. HRTC provides mobile therapy services and support to people experiencing homelessness, using the solar chargers to help clients maintain phone access for communication and employment.
- SAWA SAWAcorePartnership with SAWA SAWA, an organization dedicated to empowering Kenyan artisans. The collaboration provides solar lights to enhance safety and opportunity for artisans.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Unite To Light competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- d.light: Commercial-scale provider of solar lanterns, solar home systems, and phone-charging products for off-grid households across Africa and Asia. Directly comparable to Unite to Light's product category, target population, and distribution model, but at vastly greater scale and with capital markets funding.
- LuminAID: Producer of inflatable, solar-powered lights sold commercially and donated through humanitarian partners. Directly comparable to Unite to Light in product format, humanitarian focus, and Buy One | Give One distribution model.
- SolarAid: Nonprofit fighting energy poverty through solar light distribution in Africa. Closely aligned mission and beneficiary population with Unite to Light, and a direct comparator in the social-enterprise solar light space.
- MPOWERD: Maker of Luci inflatable solar lanterns sold through retail and humanitarian channels. Competes in portable solar lighting with a similar Buy One | Give One program and serves overlapping off-grid, emergency, and outdoor segments.
- WakaWaka: Dutch social enterprise producing solar lamps and chargers distributed through retail and humanitarian channels. Directly comparable product format and Buy One | Give One philosophy, with a similar target population.
- BioLite: Designs and sells solar lanterns, home lighting, and energy products targeting emerging markets and outdoor consumers. Comparable product mix (solar lighting plus charging) and dual humanitarian/outdoor positioning.
Others
- Barefoot College: Nonprofit that trains rural grandmothers as solar engineers and distributes solar lanterns across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Comparable end beneficiary and humanitarian mission but a deployment rather than product-manufacturing model.
Broad incumbents
- Sun King (Greenlight Planet): Largest pay-as-you-go solar home system provider in off-grid markets, offering a broader product lineup including lanterns, larger home systems, and phone charging. Overlaps with Unite to Light on entry-level lanterns and phone-charging segments but operates at much larger scale.
- Signify Foundation: Philips-affiliated global lighting major with humanitarian lighting programs in off-grid markets. Broad incumbent overlap in portable and emergency lighting but with vastly larger scale and a for-profit orientation.
Emerging players
- ToughStuff: Social enterprise producing rugged, low-cost solar lanterns for off-grid households, often through NGO partnerships. Directly comparable humanitarian product category with strong durability focus similar to the Luke Light's design ethos.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Unite To Light social profiles
Digital presenceUnite To Light compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Unite To Light financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Unite To Light leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Unite To Light funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Unite To Light M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Unite To Light
What does Unite To Light do?
Unite To Light manufactures and distributes three solar-powered lighting and charging products — the Luke Light (portable task light), the Chandler Charger (8000 mAh solar power bank), and the Haven Lantern (multi-purpose room/camp light). The organization operates a Buy One | Give One social enterprise model where every product purchased results in a donated unit to people without electricity, alongside direct donations and humanitarian partner distributions.
Is Unite To Light a public or private company?
Unite To Light is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Unite To Light founded?
Unite To Light was founded in 2010. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Unite To Light based?
Unite To Light is headquartered in Santa Barbara, United States, in the North America region.
How does Unite To Light make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Product Sales (Buy One | Give One) is the primary driver. The others are direct Donations, planned Giving / Legacy Programs and corporate Sponsorships.
Who are Unite To Light's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are d.light, LuminAID, SolarAid, MPOWERD, WakaWaka and BioLite. Barefoot College is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Sun King (Greenlight Planet) and Signify Foundation. ToughStuff is listed as an emerging player.
Does Unite To Light have an API?
No public API is recorded for Unite To Light.
What industry is Unite To Light in?
Unite To Light's product category is Solar Lighting and Off-Grid Charging Products. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAIAK, Specialty & Task/Workstation Lighting (Inspection/task lights, cleanroom/food-grade, portable work lights), with a secondary code of CRAMAAAG, Outdoor Lighting & Power (Headlamps, Batteries, Solar) Retail. Its NAICS code is 33513 and its SIC code is 3640.