By Steve Ranger, 4 January 2006 15:25
NEWS
A Scottish university is trialling solar-powered streetlights which will also deliver wi-fi internet access.
The 'Project Starsight' technology is being tested as part of a deal between Compliance Technology (CTL) and the Abertay Centre for the Environment (ACE) at the University of Abertay in Dundee.
The solar panels provide a free energy source for the streetlight and also for the wi-fi or WiMax connection.
Calum McRae, head of CTL Scotland, said in a statement: "The new photovoltaic technology, which will be showcased in Dundee, will mean that no local community needs to be without reliable, economic street lighting with the added benefit of wi-fi technology outside their front doors."
The plan is to have the product ready for the marketplace "before the end of the financial year".
ACE director Mary Cowie added in a statement: "The pilot scheme will involve not only ACE but students from the University of Abertay who will be able to play a hands on-role in shaping the technology of tomorrow."
Comments
There are 9 comments. Join the discussion
1. Alex
Yeah right. I would love to see how long the power will last for a decent line-of-sight signal of (let's say) 100 yards. WiFi uses a lot of power. And street light? A combo of bright LEDs and WiFi in one driven by solar power?
Never mind street light, IF (and a BIG if that is) this would work then the MoD would love it. And other millitary around the world.
2. Chris Goodman
Use of voltaic cell panels to provide electrical power should long have been phased in by local authorities when replacing or installing new street lighting. The additional costs would soon be recovered by reduced running costs and, as mooted in the article, could well provide the basis for an wi-fi network. Possibly an ISP would accept responsibility for maintaining the lights in return for a very low network rental.
Diversifying a little, it is surely time the "green" government introduced good subsidies for installation of domestic solar powered voltaic panels to meet or even exceed domestic requirement.
3. Alan Ainsworth
Am I missing something?
Surely street lighting is required at night, i.e. when the sun is down. Isn't this the very time when solar (!) panels have no input source?
Perhaps we could hear something about the total cost if batteries are included.
Still, I would be glad to eperience Wi-Fi wherever I go.
I would also be glad to see all traffic lights changed to LEDs as a priority project. Estimates suggest that a UK wide replacement would save the output of one complete nuclear power station, surely a programme that would be lauded by environmentalists and cynics alike.
4. anonymous
Up to 70% of electricity is lost in transmission between power station and users. It's high time power was generated locally in ways like this.
5. Calum McRae Head of CTL Scotland
As Head of CTL let me address some comments posted.
Our UV collection device can operate without recharge for fully 18 days, powering wifi, wimax, micro and all street lighting needs. Within 18metres of a lamp post you can receive wireless broadband at 56Mbs. This is approx 8 times faster than BTs best at 8Mbs for example. The pilot is in Scotland as there is a perception that teh sun never shines there! If our system works there, as it does, it will work anywhere. As for uses, indeed the military in the UK and other countries have expressed an interest, but please don not be as naive as to write a product of with such cynicism unless ou know the facts.....
6. Martin Griffin
Would these streetlights be as bright as the current types?
I'm a bit baffled as they are not really there yet with suitable LED replacements for domestic incandescent 60 and 100 watt bulbs. Also what would the total battery life in years be? What would be the implications for recycling the battery waste.
Fanastic idea if it works though - I presume this is some new type of photo voltaic cell that is powering all this?
Martin Griffin
7. anonymous
I would like the opportunity to discuss the production of such items.
8. Alan Bailey
I am interested in street lighting powered by solar energy and win energy. We want to trial it in London.
9. anonymous
I have just been researching Solar powered street lights which would be of considerable advantageous in Africa. Kindly do let know the progress you have made in this field of research. I am also interested in the commercial benefits.