Solar Powered Hats Bring Light to Rural Colombia

DDB has created Sun Hats to help EPM - Colombian’s largest public service company - to introduce its new solar program to communities that live in rural areas that do not have access to electricity. Wearing the accessory protects the Colombians who work under harsh conditions and direct sunlight all day long. Likewise, wearing the hat is part of the locals' identity and lifestyle.

More than making these communities aware of this new technology, the idea turned the regular hats into lights for people without electricity. EPM gave to the communities who live deep in the country new hats equipped with two small panels that could be charged using sunlight. After eight hours of charging, the flashlights are full, with four hours of charge. The locals no longer have to walk great distances home in the dark after work, and they can have light in their homes.

Another concern for this creation was to produce the hats by Colombian's manufacturers to enrich the local economy and to respect the design of a traditional Colombian hat, including its original materials. “All the initiative speaks to Colombian people about how EPM cares them and are working to provide what they need in their lives,” said Leo Macias, Chief Creative Officer of DDB Colombia.