Gov’t urged to power traffic lights with solar

As Jamaicans increasingly turn to solar energy to reduce the impact of electricity outages, one energy expert believes the technology could also help keep streetlights at major intersections operational when the power grid fails.

While Jamaica currently has no solar-powered traffic lights, introducing the technology at key intersections may not be out of reach, according to CEO of SunTerra Energy Solutions Limited, Emanuel DaRosa. He said solar energy could technically provide back-up power to traffic signals during outages, though he stressed that any such initiative would depend on whether it becomes a priority for the government and the National Works Agency (NWA).

“This is not an item that I had really given much thought to before,” DaRosa admitted. “But solar can be very useful in providing back-up to where the grid becomes unavailable.”

The discussion comes as more Jamaicans embrace solar-powered systems for homes and businesses, particularly hybrid systems that combine solar panels with battery storage.  Jamaica was plunged into an islandwide power outage on Friday night, leaving large sections of the country in darkness. The blackout created a nightmare for many motorists, who were forced to cautiously navigate busy intersections without the aid of functioning traffic lights.

The country has been steadily pushing to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix, with solar power emerging as one of the leading contributors to the national grid. 

Although solar-powered traffic lights are not currently part of Jamaica’s road network, DaRosa said the technology could be viable, particularly at major intersections where uninterrupted operation is critical.

The NWA confirmed that Jamaica currently has no solar-powered traffic lights.

“We don’t have any solar stoplights,” said Stephen Shaw, manager of communications and customer service at the agency.

Asked whether there had been discussions or plans to pursue such a project, Shaw said: “I don’t know of any such plans.”

He declined to comment on whether solarising major traffic lights would be beneficial, saying he was not in a position to address the matter as it fell under government policy. 

Works Minister Robert Morgan was contacted by THE STAR for comment but no response was received up to publication.