Solar power for Boni tunnel

Government agencies and a private lighting and electronics firm have teamed up to install solar-powered LEDs (light emitting diodes) along the 280-meter-long Boni tunnel in Mandaluyong City, a move seen to pave the way for the large scale use of energy efficient lighting systems.

Through the “Boni Tunnel Efficient Lighting System” project, the Department of Energy (DOE) will oversee the installation of 47 tubular LEDs,  considered ideal for illuminating the roadway inside the tunnel.

These lights will be powered by a grid-interactive photovoltaic system that can generate 6,400 watts.

According to the DOE, these LED master lamps can last for about 30,000 hours and, more importantly, can save the city government of Mandaluyong up to P240,000 a year in electricity expenditures.

To implement the project, the DOE signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Mandaluyong city government, Metro Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Oil Co.’s Renewables Corp.  and Philips Electronics and Lighting Inc.  Amy R. Remo