The use of light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs and solar panels at traffic lights reduces the electricity bill for the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).
To give you an idea, we used to pay ¢60 million. When LED technology entered the system, the invoice happened to be about ¢9 million. Now, we are studying with the National Company of Force and Light (CNFL), the first figures with the use of solar panels,”
said Diego Rugama, head of the Traffic Department.
The official also said that these are the first results of a process that began a decade ago, with the transition from incandescent light bulbs to LED light bulbs.
In 2017, 95% of devices use this type of light bulbs.
To achieve the reduction in invoices, according to the engineer, it is also necessary to negotiate with power companies, as these must face a decline in their income.
So far, the CNFL is the only one that has traffic lights with solar collectors in its network.
At present, there are 158 systems like these placed in different points of the capital. The installation began a year ago. So far, the MOPT have invested $2 million for this concept.
It is expected that by 2020, if negotiations with companies are positive, consumption is reduced to approximately ¢5 million.