News

Hadco and SolarOne Solutions Announce Joint Development of Solar Light

January 23, 2007 by Jeff Shepard

Hadco Lighting and SolarOne Solutions announced the joint development of a solar powered post top style lamp for decorative lighting applications. This lighting system seamlessly integrates state-of-the art photovoltaic power and LED lighting technology managed by SolarOne’s intelligent MC2 controls into a Hadco Hagerstown fixture reminiscent of 19th century gas lamps. The result is a stylish street light that operates independently of the electrical grid.

This system was designed to address objections of those architects and planners who consider decorative lighting systems powered by bulky solar panels and batteries as aesthetically unappealing. Increases in LED and solar cell efficiency combined with refinements in control technology enable SolarOne’s system to produce dramatically more light for longer periods of time for given solar panel/battery dimensions.

"SolarOne’s system appears to have reached the cross-over point to bring these elements in at sufficient size to be readily integrated into our standard lighting package and look like they belong," said Hadco’s General Manager, Chris Hammelef. "Un- tethered from the grid, who knows where the new markets for our lights will come from."

With heightened attention to security, aging infrastructure, 24/7 globalization and increasing population, demand for outdoor lighting is expected to accelerate. A major barrier to this market expansion is access to power, which typically requires major investment in trenching and wiring. In many instances, solar power can overcome this issue. Each solar powered lamp will offset an estimated 4,000 lbs of green house gases annually, while providing the peace of mind that it will be operational, even during disasters and emergencies when the grid may be down.

SolarOne’s President/CEO Moneer Azzam commented, "In this effort, Hadco is doing much more than working with a new technology. As an electrical equipment manufacturer, the company is embracing a brave new approach, where the power supply is integral to its system. We are extremely pleased to be working with such a forward-looking company."