Winchester City Council installs solar technology at car park
Winchester City Council has installed solar-powered lights at one of its car parks in the District.
The two car park lights have been placed at Kidmore Lane Car Park in Denmead.
They are being trialled as a low-carbon alternative to traditional street lighting, which is generally connected to the electricity grid. Each of the lights will save on average 65 kWh of electricity per year.
Winchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Parking, Cllr Jan Warwick, said:
“It is vital that we look at making more use of renewable energy and continue to reduce our carbon footprint to ensure the district becomes a greener, cleaner place to live and work.
“If this is a success, we will look at installing more solar powered lights across the district.”
In order to reduce light pollution and conserve electricity stored in the batteries, the lights will dim to a third of their full brightness when there is no-one nearby. A sensor mounted on the lights will ensure they light up when anyone approaches.