Capping solar power

The 2CLight cap is finding favour amongst recreational users and corporates in Russia, Korea, Europe and the US, but Dyer admits the “ah ha” moment” in Malaysia that led to his invention could have been his last.

“I was crawling along in the undergrowth not realizing I was crawling along a cliff top.

“I thought why not have technology built into your clothing to provide light that’s maintenance-free, zero hassle and  is always with you for those situations when you need it?”

Dyer, who has a degree in digital technology and previously worked in the interactive entertainment industry in Australia, was the software development manager with Trimble until two years ago.

It took him three years to create a cap with a flexible solar panel in the peak that powers two LEDs which can provide up to five hours of light on full power, and up to 36 hours using a dimmer function.

The light unit handles torrential rain and has a Morse code setting that emits an SOS signal so recreational users can get help if they strike trouble in the outdoors.

Right from the outset the 2CLight Company focused on marketing its caps overseas, rather than in New Zealand, and that strategy is starting to pay off.

“It was never going to survive in New Zealand as a product, it was just too expensive and we needed to do runs of 10,000 at a time to get any kind of margins. (Caps retail here for $59.90)

“We did our research on the outdoor recreation market in America and they spend US$58 million a year on lights alone, so we were looking to take a percentage of that.”

Manufacturing is done in China, although small runs are still made in the company’s Christchurch premises.

Dyer’s business plan aimed for a turnover of $32 million within five years and he feels increasingly confident of realizing that goal. 

Last month 2CLight closed a deal to supply 10,000 caps to Russian multi millionaire Vitaly Begar, a businessman who builds eco friendly houses across Europe.

Dyer says Begar is committed to buying 120,000 caps worth $2.3 million this year, and up to 250,000 next year.

A Korean company recently ordered 10,000 caps for sale at a three day music festival expected to attract one million camping concert goers in November.

But penetrating the American market has proved difficult thanks to the recession and a poorly performing distributor who demanded exclusive rights, but failed to buy any stock.