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

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