World First for Stand-Alone, Solar-Powered Lighting Column

OSS, The Netherlands, October 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

'This is the future of public lighting'

Kaal Masten is today presenting the Spirit: the world's first solar-powered lighting column that does not use mains power and is available in a complete series (up to 18 metres). As a result, we now have a complete range of stand-alone lighting columns that can provide top quality lighting anywhere in the world.

The Spirit is a modular lighting column that exclusively uses solar energy and LED technology. The fact that cabling is a thing of the past means that Spirit columns can easily be installed at locations that do not have an electricity connection, such as motorways, rural road, car parks and mountain roads. The height of the column and the number of solar modules can be tailored to the situation, up to a maximum height of 18 metres.

Sustainable solution

The Spirit is the most sustainable form of public lighting. Electricity consumption is reduced to zero and the columns and batteries are entirely recyclable. The columns are also suitable for all high quality LED fittings - also one of the most sustainable choices - and manufacturer Kaal Masten is a CO2-neutral company.

The future

Jos van den Hurk, director of Kaal Masten, sees the introduction of the Spirit as a significant milestone; not just for his company but also for the sector as a whole. "This is the future of public lighting. Firstly because of the stand-alone nature of the column; governments and other managers of open spaces are no longer dependent on the mains network in order to realise top quality lighting, and therefore safety. In addition, sustainability plays a significant role; the CO2 footprint for public lighting will be substantially reduced as a result."

The Spirit is being introduced today during the Public Spaces Day (Dag van de Openbare Ruimte) in Expo Houten. The first Spirits will soon be installed at the TU/e in Eindhoven. This column has taken about 3 years to develop.