In a project valued at over $400,000, Mexican officials have selected the EG500 solar-powered outdoor lighting system to illuminate the country's latest major superhighway, Supervia Poniente. The EG500 solar outdoor lighting system, developed by Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX: CMH)(Pink Sheets: CMHXF), represents the company's largest solar outdoor lighting product capable of producing up to 12,500 lumens. Originally slated for AC-powered lighting, Carmanah's proprietary EG500 solution both exceeded the lighting specifications required for the project and presented a compelling off-grid, sustainable lighting solution. The sale was handled by Best Light Mexico and Semex, Carmanah-authorized lighting partners in Mexico.
"Cost-effectiveness, performance and a reputation for reliability contributed to the selection of the Carmanah EG-series for a series of large-scale infrastructure projects in Mexico, including the Supervia superhighway project," comments Moises Villar, President, Best Light Mexico. "Officials in the State capital are pleased with the solar product's performance to-date and will continue to choose them for future highway and area lighting projects."
As a result of the decision to employ solar, the superhighway project benefited from cost savings as a result of a cable-free installation and low maintenance schedule. In concert with zero energy usage, the project also supports Mexico's commitment to sustainable solutions for use in major infrastructure development projects.
The superhighway, 5km in length, will connect the city's Santa Fe business district with the Periferico elevated highway. The solar illuminated portion of the highway (2km) includes elevated highways and bridges which are ideal locations for cost-savings when solar is employed over AC-powered lighting fixtures. The EG500 was selected by Mexico officials and the Consortium Controladora Via Rapida Poetas, which includes Spanish-based multinational construction and civil engineering company, Obrascon Huarte Lain, S.A. (OHL) and Mexican firm, Copri.
Already a leading highway and roadway solar lighting product, the EG500 of the Carmanah EG-series line is being used to safely illuminate roadways from Mexico and South America to the Middle East. Ideal for high solar regions of the world where existing infrastructure limitations benefit from stand-alone, zero-energy lighting products, the EG-series is suited to address the needs of developing nations for a high-performing outdoor lighting solution.
"The company's success in Mexican and Latin America markets can be attributed to localized support and solar expertise," suggests Bruce Cousins, Carmanah CEO. "Our distribution partner Semex, and local lighting agent Best Light, are champions in the presentation of our products' benefits, particularly in projects otherwise specified for grid-connected lighting. This presentation is helped by the product's ability to produce reliable, uniform and bright illumination at a cost-point that makes sense for organizations."
The Carmanah EG500 was presented as a sustainable lighting alternative for a multi-lane freeway that exceeded the project's lighting specification of 14 lux average, with 3:1 uniformity, at 30m pole spacing using 9,150 lumens light output. Already under construction, the Supervia highway is due to be completed by the end of 2012.
