Is NOW the time for LED streetlights?

LEDInside recently sent me information regarding China's overall demand for LED streetlights in 2009. As per its statistics, China’s overall demand for LED streetlights in 2009 is said to be less than that of the number the market had expected at the beginning of 2009. Isn't that a bit strange? Nevertheless, I am not the one to debate it.

The main reason put forward has been that the streetlight standards have not been revealed as yet. Also, the quality and quantity of LED streetlights need some more time to be tested and verified.

However, this particular message diverted my attention to another message sent recently by Ashok Gowda of OnLeo Global Solutions. He said that his company had just finished the installation and commissioning of LED streetlights in Sadashivanagar, 10th Main, an area in Bangalore. This is the first of its kind in Bangalore and the company is said to be the first to implement LED streetlights with the help of residents’ association and BBMP; it’s a small step towards promoting ecofriendly green technology.

I am hoping that my associate, Usha Prasad, will be able to throw more light on this development, as she has been closely tracking this company for some time now. As and when I am able to get the information, it will be shared.

But back to my thoughts! Is NOW the time for LED streetlights? I would imagine so!

One of the targets of the recently announced National Solar Mission in India is to deploy 20 million solar lighting systems for rural areas by 2022. Now that, I feel, is a pretty low target. The potential is there to deploy possibly five to 10 times than that in India. And as we have seen, LEDs and solar provide a brilliant combination.

Why? Even at the recently held Solarcon India 2009, the conference was inaugurated by the tradition of lighting the lamps -- only that, in this case, they switched on solar lanterns, which had LEDs inside providing the light!

There is tremendous potential within India for LED streetlights, irrespective of whether those are powered by solar or otherwise.

In one of my forthcoming blog posts, I will talk about the list of manufacturers of solar PV lighting systems, certified by approved test centers, in India -- for CFL and LED based systems.

Pradeep

Dec. 9, 2009