By Aida Aziz
IPOH: A total of 1,000 units of smart solar street lights will be installed in stages over a period of 12 months in the state, including in rural areas and Orang Asli villages.
Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said, the installation location of the solar lights will be studied in detail to ensure that they are compatible with the criteria.
He said, the use of green technology and renewable energy is seen to be able to reduce the state, national and international carbon footprint thus supporting efforts to deal with the effects of climate change.
“Many villages including Orang Asli villages, complain that they are always in the dark and demand that the state government go through Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to install street lights, but the bill costs will be high.
“With this technology (smart solar) we don’t have to think about who will pay the bill due to the regeneration of electricity using solar.
“Our target is to install 1,000 units first and will be expanded according to need, regardless of whether it’s in the city or a village,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after launching the Perak Techno Trade Centre (PTTC) Building Preservation Programme Using Smart Solar Street Lighting & Rooftop Solar Panels in Meru Raya last night.
Also present were the Chief Executive Officer of the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP), Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak and the Executive Chairman of Reneuco RE Sdn Bhd, Datuk Mustakim Mat Nun.
Saarani added that the initiative was a strategic joint venture between Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) through its subsidiary, Perak Industrial Resources Sdn Bhd (PIRSB) and Reneuco RE Sdn Bhd.
Meanwhile, Redza Rafiq said, the installation of smart solar street lights will have a positive effect in saving electricity costs as well as reducing the risk of cable theft.
The French-made Sunna Design smart solar street light has received recognition through 11 international awards and 14 patent awards.
“Designed using a smart grid driven by solar energy, its installation is very suitable in public areas and new developments, with minimal electricity consumption or in locations where there are no electricity facilities,” he said.
He also said that PTTC became the pioneer of the initiative, with 22 units of the lights installed in the grounds of the building.
