| Innovator Spotlight: Gutter Light from Mr Go Green |
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| Green Reports | |
| Written by Golda Velez | |
| Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:29 | |
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Solar garden lights have been around for awhile. Vincent D'Onofrio probably isn't the only homeowner to trip on one of his 'solar mushrooms'. But for Vince, a stubbed toe led to a bright idea. Picking up the offending party, he noticed that naturally, the higher he held the light, the wider the beam of light. Suspended from the roof gutter upside down, the solar powered glow was just right to illuminate a keyhole. Thus the Gutter Light was born, containing essentially two innovations designed by D'Onofrio :
a custom, patented metal sleeve in the housing that fits into a universal connector to attach the light to the roof gutter or other fixed object ; and the inclusion of rechargable AA batteries so that the light stays on nearly 100% of the time. With the easily removable thumbscrew clamp and internal battery, the compactly designed lights also double as emergency lighting during outages, or just readily available flashlights around the property. Two versions are available, both with LEDs - 70,000 ncds or 20,000 ncds. Both are mercury-free, unlike compact flourescent lights. Vince has tested the lights with friends and neighbors, and has already sold about 400 units. His mother gave the lights their best battle-testing on a dark windy property. She noticed another advantage - no bugs! Not a scientific test, but at least one anecdotal report of an additional marketing point. Best of luck to Vincent D'Onofrio at http://www.gutter-lite.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- Garage notes: Vince says he invested on the order of $20K: about $6000 on development, several thousand more on patents, trademarks and related fees, and about $10K to supply the first order. Newspaper coverage got about 400 units sold, with a trickle of business continuing. Now he's working trade shows and getting some attention from marketing firms that may decide to carry the product if it passes certain tests. ------------------------------------------------------------------ As always, please post comments, suggestions, testimonials, collaboration opportunities below. Metrics: energy savings, approx 60W per light Cost: $15.95 per light Incremental cost: - need comparison with non-solar outdoor low intensity lighting options - Other environmental advantage: mercury free Collaboration opportunities: contractors, marketers, retail,
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written by San Antonio Real Estate, October 21, 2009
Sounds like a great idea. Good Luck Vince.
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Going Green!!!! written by paresh, July 11, 2009
The environment needs to be greener, and this is one step taken by Vincent.
Good Luck Friend!!!! report abuse
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| Last Updated on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:50 |
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