An example of solar street lights

Uruguay lights its streets with solar power – at least in Suarez – which has switched to solar street lights in its town square, using solar energy and LED technology. The reasons for the transition are multiple, including a need to save money, increase safety and a desire for better reliability than traditional street lamps.  Leonardo D’Andrea of the local town council explained to BBC Mundo:

“We decided to try out solar energy lamps in the town square and if it works, then we will apply it to all public lights in the town,” he said.

Uruguay is also suffering the effects of the global recession.  Rising electricity costs forced Suarez to consider a way to combat rising electricity/energy costs.  The plan is to install better technology, and then say good bye to lighting bills.  For the mere cost of about $30 a month, per lamp, Suarez will save 70-90% on its energy costs.  To put this into perspective, the annual electricity bill for Suarez is $400,000, 70% of which is due to the costs of power for street lights.

The LED (light emitting diodes) lamps are bright, but use little energy.  Conveniently, the street lights can be charged with solar energy, or electricity, and can run for four days without needing to recharge.

In order to save money and create local jobs, the LED lamps are manufactured right in Uruguay.  This not only helps the local economy, but it also saves the expense of purchasing solar power street lights from countries in the far East.

Other towns in Uruguay are watching Suarez to see whether to adopt a similar approach.  And Suarez itself will decide whether to install solar power street lights throughout the town, as well.