Coimbatore corporation tries out motion sensor streetlights to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions and cost

Time of India

2 days ago

Coimbatore: Amidst the clamour to light the streets, the city corporation has come up with an eco-friendly way of doing it, while reducing the dependency on the electricity board.
Its new idea is installation of motion sensor streetlights, which would help conserve energy. Equipped with solar panels, these lights operate solely on solar energy. If implemented on a large scale, these streetlights would help cut down on electricity consumption, while reducing carbon emissions with no greenhouse gas output.
The corporation has set up 122 motion sensor streetlights at five locations on a pilot basis and is in the process of identifying sites to set up another 100.
A corporation official said the move would allow them to conserve energy and minimize the need for obtaining new electricity connections for the purpose of setting up streetlights.
"Procuring new electricity connection for installing new streetlights with new poles is a herculean task. There is a security deposit to be paid, line charges that include meter, cable and poles, and then monthly bills. This makes the regular lights costlier.
When it comes to solar lights, all these processes are eliminated. It is a one-time investment," the officer said.
The officer said various models of motion sensor streetlights were available in the market today. "We opted for motion sensor streetlights with auto dimming technology. Other variants include total blackout lights and those that activate upon movement detection. The installed lights typically operate at 50% brightness and increase to 100% when motion is detected within a minimum distance of four metres from the pole.
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According to the officer, the auto on, off function is based on motion or dusk-to-dawn sensor, and the dimming feature will help save more energy and extend the battery life.
Additional features include durability and two-year warranty. However, solar panels have to be cleaned at least once every two months. Battery replacement is also necessary every three to five years, depending on efficiency.
Corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said the dust formation on the panels was a challenge.
"However, it does not require everyday cleaning. As of now, we don't have a system in place to monitor these lights."
The city corporation has plans to install these motion sensor streetlights at the locations of 42 overhead water tanks across the added areas, where otherwise new electricity connections are required.
An executive with a Kerala-based sensor streetlight making firm noted that the sensor detection could extend up to 10 meters and cover the movement of animals as well. "Nowadays, several commercial establishments, apartments and educational institutions are opting for such sensor-based streetlights."
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