Solar energy to power signals

Solar energy to power signals

Though LEDs, powered by solar energy, require more investment, they have proved to be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. They have also drastically reduced consumption

The Times of India

Bangalore: Solar panels atop traffic signals will soon become part of the urban landscape. By this year-end, the traffic police will phase out incandescent bulbs and replace them with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in all 173 signals across the city.

The use of LEDs, that consume one-fifth of the power conventional bulbs use and last several times more, has already brought down consumption of electricity.

Bulbs at some of the signals have already been replaced with LEDs.

According to Bescom statistics, signals consumed 30,955 units in April this year, as compared to 52,793 units in December, 2005. Some signals are, however, connected to meters for street lights, a Bescom official said.

DCP traffic (East) M A Saleem said the new signals primarily operate on solar power that has a good battery back-up. It can also run from the main lines whenever required.

Though LEDs powered by solar energy require more investment, they have proved to be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run, the officer said. “There are less than 100 signals without solar power in the city. Use of LEDs has reduced consumption drastically and by the end of this year, all signals will be replaced with LEDs,’’ Saleem said.

While nearly 52 signals with incandescent bulbs were replaced in 2004-05, the rest will be done under the ambitious B-TRAC 2010 project, which includes synchronised traffic signals. Under the new project, 150 modern signals will come up in the central area alone.

Saleem said the signals are installed and maintained by the traffic department. Some have been sponsored by private firms. Earlier, the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike maintained traffic signals, but gave it up after the numbers increased.