Just when Batswana were wondering how they were going to cope with the anticipated electricity load shedding, Philips together with Electrical Components’ new innovations are providing light at the end of the dark tunnel.
The two companies recently launched a raft of cost effective renewable energy lighting systems, which provide high quality light with very little environment impact. Their portfolio of solar products include the solar home light system, solar rechargeable portable lanterns, reading light, back-up lights, torches and the world’s first solar powered LED floodlighting system which will enable users to work and play at night. The launch, which took place at Gaborone Sun, is part of the Philips Cairo to Cape road show which aims to raise awareness for exciting new developments in lighting.
The new system will enable communities in developing and developed markets to participate in social, educational, cultural commercial activities after sunset, including the world’s most popular sport, football. This energy-efficient LED lighting technology can illuminate areas up to 40x20m with bright white light. The system is also highly sustainable, with a rugged design able to withstand the extreme rigors of life in some of the more challenging and remote terrains in the world. The system can also be used for non-sporting activities in locations without access to an electricity grid, such as evening classes in remote villages, shops or outdoor markets.
Speaking at the launch, the Philips Marketing and Business Development Director for Africa, Guido Peters, described these new developments as part of Philips commitment both to developing sustainable lighting solutions for Africa and also aimed to simply enhance life with light.
“LED lighting can change Africa in many ways,” he said, “and this latest innovation will help people to have access to simple and sustainable solutions to build the future.”
The quality of the light is similar to that of good quality white street-light, allowing visual details and colour to be seen clearly. Batteries and solar panels are the other key components of the system and it can be run for two evenings of four hours each before needing a recharge and is expected to have a lifetime of five years. The system can be set up permanently, partially or fully dismantled after use and kept in-door.
