Solar powered parking-lot light delivers affordable off-grid illumination

VICTORIA, British Columbia: Carmanah Technologies unveiled the newest design in solar LED lighting: the EverGEN 1710 solar-powered area light.

Designed as a compact stand-alone lighting alternative for off-grid parking lots and other municipal, commercial or industrial areas, the new EverGEN 1710 light combines advanced motion-sensing capabilities with a range of energy saving operating profiles to ensure bright, reliable illumination whenever and wherever it’s needed.

Featuring a dark-sky friendly LED fixture designed by industry-leading lighting manufacturer BetaLED, the EverGEN 1710 solar light incorporates all of the elements of a complete solar power system in a compact, pole-mounted design developed by world-renowned global innovation firm frog design.

According to Ted Lattimore, Carmanah CEO, Carmanah and frog design shared a common goal throughout the design process: to present a powerful new lighting alternative characterized by elegance of design and efficiency of operation.

“We knew this light would be special — delivering big system performance in the smallest form factor yet — so when it came to the design, we wanted the very best,” said Lattimore.

“Working closely with the team at frog, we settled on a unique design that reflects the essence of renewable energy: clean, simple, practical and efficient. Although it’s a tough, high output, industrial-strength light, the quality finish and distinctive, contemporary styling would look great just about anywhere,” said Lattimore. “But best of all it performs better than anything in its category — it’s a practical, cost-effective renewable energy alternative.”

Since 1969, frog design has pioneered some of the world’s most groundbreaking designs for trendsetting companies such as Apple, Logitech, Microsoft and Sony. In discussing the partnership with Carmanah, Doreen Lorenzo, president of frog design, said: “The opportunity to partner with Carmanah to create a solution that is both beautiful and functional was one our designers embraced. It is a great example of innovation positively affecting our environment.”

Built on nearly two decades of experience developing self-contained solar-LED lanterns and beacons for the marine, traffic and aviation industries, Carmanah’s solar-powered street, parking lot and urban lighting products help businesses and communities introduce outdoor area lighting wherever it’s needed, without trenching, cabling, grid access, or a monthly utility bill.

With over a quarter of a million units deployed, Carmanah products are widely used and recognized around the world for durability, performance and dependability — operating safely and reliably in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

As an environmentally responsible alternative, Carmanah’s solar-powered EverGEN 1710 area light is assembled using safe, recyclable materials in strict accordance with the European Union’s guidelines for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electronic equipment (RoHS).

The EverGEN 1710 solar light is scheduled for availability in early 2010.

Nuclear power plant goes solar with off-grid LED outdoor lighting

VICTORIA, USA: One of California’s largest state utilities, Southern California Edison (SCE), is lighting up the night with solar technology at its San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

To illuminate its main employee parking areas, Edison is equipping the site with solar-powered LED lights from Carmanah Technologies. By using solar technology as an alternative to traditional grid-powered lights, the EverGEN 1500-series lighting system can provide a reliable source of bright uniform illumination while avoiding the costs and challenges typically associated with trenching, cabling, and accessing electrical grid power.

Featuring custom BetaLED light fixtures, Carmanah solar-powered lights offer superior output and performance in accordance with IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America) guidelines. A full-cutoff “Dark Sky”-friendly design directs light only where needed (preventing glare or spillover of light onto neighboring properties or into the night sky), while integrated energy management capabilities ensure optimal lighting performance year round.

With no bulbs to replace and a five-year battery life, the EverGEN 1500 lights will help Southern California Edison reduce maintenance and operating costs while serving as a lasting, practical investment in renewable energy technology.

EverGEN 1500-series solar LED lights are available now from Carmanah Technologies.