Pfister Energy News: Company News

SolarOne Solutions, Inc.

Solar Powered Interpretive Tributes Recognized with the 2011 National Scenic Byways Award for Excellence

Needham, MA Nov, 2011 SolarOne Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce that the "Illuminate Woodward: Woodward Tributes" project received the 2011 National Scenic Byway Award for excellence in Interpretation.

SolarOne worked with Harmon Sign and Calori & Van-Eynden, Ltd. to turn the vision of the WoodwardAvenue Association into a reality. The Association wanted more than a traditional way finding system to introduce visitors and residents to the rich heritage of Woodward Avenue. So they collaborated with C&VE to develop the concept of a series of audio-tour enabled tall cylindrical glass and concrete beacons which serve as interpretive landmarks along the Avenue. Local artists developed images for the etched glass tributes, featuring important historical and cultural icons.

To turn that concept into reality, the Woodward Association had to find a cost effective, uncomplicated way to power each of the landmarks. Located in the center of the busy thoroughfare in an urban environment, access to the grid was logistically difficult and crossed several agency jurisdictions.

SolarOne provided the solar and LED lighting design and infrastructure for totally autonomous operation of the Illuminated Tributes. With Detroit's long, cold winter nights, efficiency was critical to developing a practical solution. SolarOne's SO-Bright® Controller Technology was selected to improve charging efficiency, control the LED lighting schedule and to provide energy management to protect the system from outages. The first system has been operating maintenance free since its installation in 2008.

Ilze Greene, Sales and Marketing Director of SolarOne commented, "The world saw the first mile of concrete roadway and the first electric traffic light deployed on Woodward Avenue. It seems fitting that the same community has embraced solar energy and this innovative approach to interpreting the area's history and culture."