<p class="MsoNormal">With the festive season fast approaching the extent of power consumption will inevitably take a toll on the environment. In an effort to conserve energy and possibly capitalise on the potential of alternative energy, efficient lighting has become the mantra for most electronic companies. One of the more viable practices is harnessing solar power for lighting and serving wider needs of electrification in the country and numerous companies are realising its potential. <br /><br />More than 350 global and Indian light companies congregated in New Delhi to participate in Light India 2012: an exhibition where an extensive array of residential and commercial lighting equipment which included solar lights, LED lighting devices were showcased. The event organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fair India and Electric Lamps and Components Manufacturers Association (ELCOMA) was held earlier this month. ELCOMA is the Apex Body of Lighting Manufacturers in India and Messe Frankfurt is a German trade fair organiser, that has a global network of 28 subsidiaries in more than 150 countries.<br /> <br />The event focused on green (environment friendly) lighting and energy efficiency and a number of companies introduced LED lights that run on solar energy. These lights contain in built reflectors that store sunlight and the cell generator panel (installed within the device) converts the stored energy into electricity. The life span of the batteries of these devices is about 3-4 years. The price of the solar LED lights already available in the market, starts from Rs 10-12,000 and varies according to the quality of the battery used in the solar LED light. These lights need a minimum of 12 volts to illuminate. Some of the big brand exhibitors who've introduced solar LED lights include Philips, Osram, Bajaj, Crompton, HPL, Donex Industries, Wipro and Energetic Lighting. <br /><br />"The usage of LED lights started 30 years ago when it was used as an indicator light in radios. The market for LED lights has experienced an exponential growth of 60-70 per cent in the past 3 years. The introduction of solar LED lights with its existing market share of 25-35 per cent will add to the existing value of LED lights," says Shyam Sujan, Secretary General of ELCOMA. Sujan estimates that revenue of Rs 800 crore can be earned from the sale of solar LED lights this year. <br /><br />Rajeev Chopra, MD of Philips Electronics, India believes that the launch of their new solar LED lighting solutions is in line with the company's vision to enhance consumer experience by making lighting more accessible and dependable. "Our new solutions are aimed at offering a reliable lighting source that also helps the environment," says Chopra.<br /><br />"Solar LED lights will prove to be the next big thing that is eco-friendly and cheap at the same time. Our company will soon replace the existing LED fittings with solar LED lights in Parliament" informs Mohit Sharma, VP of HPL India.<br /> <br />Most companies are now eyeing the rural markets across India and Philips in particular, has undertaken electrification projects across villages. According to a PTI report, the company is s currently executing a project for installing 19,000 solar LED street lights in Tamil Nadu in association with Tata Power Solar and Su-kam.</p>
