DENVER — Steve Katsaros is an inventor; his Nokero Solar light bulbs are helping harness the sun in developing countries by allowing people to get rid of dangerous kerosene lamps.

“People use the kerosene lamps, which emit terrible fumes, inside their homes putting everyone inside at risk of poor health and fires,” said Katsaros. “With our new light bulbs, we can light up homes, fields, even fishing spots on lakes and rivers, with no danger to anyone.”

The plastic lights operate on a battery and solar panel, which under most conditions will last for years.

“On Lake Victoria, fishermen no longer have to float thousands of kerosene lamps on little rafts to lure fish into nets, now they simply use the Nokero lights without any danger of polluting the water,” said Katsaros.

While 1.3 billion around the world live without electricity, Nokero hopes their light bulbs will allow people to use money no longer needed for kerosene to buy lights which will last for several years.

So far, the company has distributed more than 1.3 million bulbs to communities in Haiti, Uganda, Cambodia, India, and several countries in Africa. The bulbs cost between $8 to $45 but aid organizations can get them for wholesale prices.

The company just won a $250 thousand grant from the state, which will allow them to expand U.S. markets and to develop new products as well.

Nokero lights: Made in the Rockies for the world.