The Town of Eckville has purchased solar-powered lighting systems which will be used to light up Eckford Street, the central Alberta town’s main street.
According to the manufacturer of the system, Clear Blue Technologies, the cost of using the company’s Smart Off-Grid lights was about 30 per cent cheaper than using traditional, grid-connected lighting.
As well, the solar lights will not add to the town’s power bill and will require minimal concrete removal to install along the sidewalks.
“The initial reason for selecting solar was the cost to connecting to the grid and the disruption to the streets and construction,” said Jack Ramsden, Eckville CAO. Ramsden added “And avoiding the monthly costs that would have been due to our local power utility is an added benefit.”
The mayor of Eckville, Helen Posti, says the new solar powered lighting system is the most exciting project town council has ever undertaken. “In 2021 we will be celebrating our 100th anniversary of incorporation, so this is a timely project given the environment and the cost are the key factors for this decision.”
The Illumient Smart Off-Grid lighting systems are connected wirelessly to the Internet which will allow remote control, monitoring and management of the lighting systems. Clear Blue Technologies says this will ensure high reliability and low maintenance costs.
The company adds service personnel will be able to optimize lighting profiles, such as dimming the lights during long periods of prolonged bad weather to help preserve battery power.
Miriam Tuerk, CEO and co-founder of Clear Blue says “with forest fires and power outages, Smart Off-Grid adds an extra layer of security because the lights are on even when the power grid is off.”
The Mayor of Eckville said “Come to Eckville where the lights are always on.”
The town of Eckville is located about 45 kilometres west of Red Deer.
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