IKEA and Little Sun launch SAMMANLÄNKAD exploring light sources powered by the sun

IKEA and social business Little Sun have teamed up to explore how design can spark conversation about the use of solar energy in everyday objects. The result is SAMMANLÄNKAD, consisting of two solar-powered LED lamps for capturing energy and creating light, launching in selected IKEA markets in April 2023.

Together with Little Sun, IKEA set out to explore how home furnishing design can make more people curious about solar energy. The result of the collaboration is SAMMANLÄNKAD: two sun-powered LED lamps designed to awaken interest in how the sun can power everyday objects and raise awareness for the need for alternative energy solutions today.

Founded by world-renowned artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen, Little Sun is an organisation dedicated to giving more people access to solar energy in communities without regular access to electricity, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. The collaboration between Little Sun and IKEA makes the power of the sun tangible in beautiful and purposeful design objects. SAMMANLÄNKAD is designed to make people experience solar energy in a life at home context, spotlighting its potential as an alternative source of energy to power everyday objects.

The smaller portable lamp offers practicality for outdoor settings. Coming with a yellow strap, it can be held and hung on a window or backpack during daylight hours for charging. Both lamps are equipped with solar panels and rechargeable batteries. The table lamp can also be charged through an outlet using its USB-A and USB-C ports, when not charged by the sun. With fully charged batteries, the lamp’s battery can also be used to boost the battery of your mobile phone.