Solar Lighting Project to “Increase the Security” at a Nuclear Power Plant

December 28th, 2011 by Zachary Shahan

Carmanah's EverGEN 1530 Solar Outdoor Light

Solar power is being used at oil wells to power drilling operations these days. Apparently, it is also being used at nuclear power plants, ironically.

“In an order valued at nearly $400,000 USD, a large US power utility in the Southwestern United States has selected the EverGEN 1530 solar LED outdoor lighting system for the second installment in a perimeter fence security lighting project,” Carmanah, the developer of the solar LED outdoor lighting system reports.

As noted in the title, the reason for going solar is “to increase the security… by providing backup safety lighting in the unlikely event of power failure, allowing the facility to maintain critical security functions that are mandated by Homeland Security”

As noted above, this is the second installment. The two together total an investment of $1.5 million in solar lighting.

And, one of the key factors (probably the key factor) in choosing solar lighting as opposed to a grid-tied system? Cost.

“The utility’s decision to use solar powered lighting is supported by a lower installation cost versus grid-based systems as no trenching or cabling is required. Including time and installation, the utility company anticipates saving an estimated $2 million.”

In other words, the cost of the project is less than half what it could have been if solar weren’t an option. Good thing the company that owns the nuclear power facility doesn’t hold any prejudice against solar power (or, if it does, that it lets common sense trump that).

Image via Carmanah

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Tags: Carmanah, EverGEN, EverGEN 1530, led outdoor lighting, led outdoor lights, outdoor solar lighting, outdoor solar lights, solar led outdoor lighting, solar led outdoor lights, solar lighting, solar lights

About the Author

Zachary Shahan spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as the director/chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media. You can connect with Zach on any popular social networking site you like. Links to all of his main social media profiles are on ZacharyShahan.com.