Ergon Energy a leading light in installing new solar LED technology

New solar powered LED lighting installed at Ergon Energy’s Pandoin Substation storage yard. The environmentally-friendly LED lighting is rated for 70,000 hours or 15+ years before a bulb change is required.

The latest solar-powered lighting technology recently installed at Ergon Energy’s new storage yard at Pandoin Substation and Training Facility near Rockhampton will deliver environmental and economic benefits for many years to come.

The Solar Lighting system, which utilises a new type of high-intensity Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting, is the first installation of its type in Australia. The new LED lighting consumes far less energy than standard light bulbs, last several times longer, is much more durable, and contains no mercury.

Ergon Energy Property Area Manager (Central), Glenn Heinemann, said the new Solar LED Lighting installed at the Pandoin storage yard was a first for Ergon Energy and was consistent with Ergon Energy’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

“The newly installed Solar Lighting System will deliver not only a reduction in our operating costs, but also in our impact on the environment into the future,” Mr Heinemann said.

The Pandoin storage yard is unique, as both the security lights and the Gallagher Power Fence System and communications network are all solar-powered.

The Pandoin storage yard lighting and security project was designed and installed for Ergon Energy by Queensland firm Rechenberg Security.

Rechenberg Security and Locksmiths Managing Director Jason Rechenberg said the Pandoin storage yard lighting and security system includes: a Gallagher Power Fence, which provides safe and effective perimeter security; the Greenway 40 by Visionistic solar lighting, which is designed to run on solar power from dusk to dawn for five days even in overcast weather conditions; and a wireless communication link directly back to the Rechenberg Monitoring Call Centre.

“The design of this project came from a clear direction from the client that the site was to be sustainable into the future for both the lighting and security,” Mr Rechenberg said.

“Utilising Greenway 40 by Visionistic was a clear choice for the security lighting. With virtually no maintenance, an operational life in excess of 17 years, and being completely recyclable with no mercury, makes for three big ticks for the environment. The solar-powered system is expected to pay for itself over its life with no electricity bills.

“The LED white light is colour-correct which is perfect for night time vision, and as the fixtures are ‘dark sky-compliant’ there is no light polluting the night sky.”

Mr Rechenberg said solar lighting solutions such as that installed for Ergon Energy were not just limited to security lighting, but were also suitable for pathways, bikeways, car parks and street lighting. There is also a fixture for 240v power that will reduce consumption where existing lighting is in place.

For more information about Solar Outdoor Lighting contact Rechenberg Pty Ltd on 07 3426 8500.