Mabini, Bohol – The first hybrid solar street lights were installed recently in Mabini,
Bohol, and may be the first in the Philippines.
By combining both solar panels and wind turbines, there are no drawbacks. During
the day when the sun is out, solar panels will charge the lithium battery.
At nighttime or even during the day as long as the right amount of wind is available
especially when a storm is coming, the turbine will serve as a backup in charging the
lithium battery.
This innovation is widely used in other countries and it’s now in Bohol.
According to LABBCDi, these street lights offer many benefits such as simple
installation which only needs a concrete base and a battery pit.
“They are energy-saving and environmentally friendly as they convert sunlight into
electricity without electricity consumption. They produce no pollution and no
radiation,” LABBCDi said.
“They are safe and durable since they do not utilize alternating current so that they
will not have hidden safety hazards. They can generate electricity for 25 years or
even longer. They are also high technology and have low maintenance costs since
they are regulated by solar charge controller which can adjust the light intensity
according to natural brightness and people’s demand. And they only need cyclical
inspection, thus the maintenance cost is relatively low,” the installer firm said.
The use of wind turbines also offers many benefits such as wind being almost
everywhere, wind being consistent in the medium and long-term, and environmental
benefits.
Local government units who are interested in introducing this to their municipality
may contact Rodrigo Labunog Jr. at +63 917 324 5727 or r.labunogjr@gmail.com.
(PR)