According to a research study undertaken by Philips’ market intelligence team, Africa could save up to $10-billion in energy costs annually – more than 50- million tons of carbon and the equivalent energy output of 35 power stations, if the continent were to switch its existing lighting to LED solutions.

These figures are only estimated under on-grid lighting, where electricity is present. If LED solutions combine with the latest innovations in battery and solar developments, they can provide practical and sustainable light for about 600-million Africans who currently live without electricity.

Recently, the company has set up the first solar lighting project on the African continent that use Philips Solar Gen2 LED lighting system, in Marrakech, Morroco.

The system is easy to install and has built-in intelligence to maximise battery life and output. The timings for the lights can be preset and the system operates on smaller batteries and panels than conventional solutions.

As Phillips project manager Frans Cox, said “Africa is the perfect continent for a solar-power project like this one because there are roads with no electricity or infra- structure, which eliminate the need for cable connections.”

This innovation has made a contribution for urban and rural life in areas of the world which do not have access to an electricity grid or where the grid is unreli- able, making those areas safer and more productive. It will also help municipal authorities to create more livable urban environments by applying new, futureproof LED lighting solutions to enhance city and rural life.