Press release / Pressemitteilung / Communiqué de presse / PM01-2016
Light for more security in conflict areas (Kurdistan)
SOLAR23 delivers solar street lights to Kurdistan for refugee camps
More than two million people have sought refuge in the Kurdistan region of Iraq since the beginning of 2014. They live under simple conditions in camps, without electricity and without light at night. To bring light into the darkness and ensure the safety of refugees, local administration and helpers, UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is providing relief, putting out to tender another project for over 205 solar street lights. The company SOLAR23, Ulm, Germany won the contract and is currently implementing the installation with Iraqi subcontractors.
SOLAR23 had already been awarded a contract last year to deliver 280 solar street lights for refugee camps in the Iraqi territory under Kurdish control, as the independent systems integrator and specialist in autonomous photovoltaic and solar thermal systems was able to offer a proven comprehensive solution. It included the pole, LED light, battery box, solar module supports, accessories and installation instructions. SOLAR23 was responsible for system design and configuration, as well as procurement, shipping preparation, delivery, documentation and service. The street lights produce 12 hours of light a day.
Whereas in 2015, 280 light poles with a height of 4.50 m, an LED light of 2200 lm with 20 W, a solar module with 150 Wp and a battery with 70 Ah were supplied, now 205 even more powerful street lights of 4800 lm with 40 W, two solar modules with 150 Wp and a battery with 135 Ah are currently being supplied and installed by SOLAR23 on a turnkey basis. Local companies are involved in the construction.
“Solar street lights are a cost effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable way to make whole areas safer, prevent accidents and give the people affected more freedom of movement. That is why we are glad that, together with all the project participants, we can provide a bit more security to the people locally with the project,” said Jochen Rühle, project manager at SOLAR23.
About SOLAR23
SOLAR23 GmbH, based in Ulm, is a provider of turnkey, grid-connected and off-grid photovoltaic systems with an international dealer and customer network in Europe and Africa. The company is particularly competent in independent PV power supplies for telecommunications transmission stations, electrification of rural villages, street lights, water pumps for the drinking water supply and basic electrification of households. In addition to retail and industrial customers, bilateral and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and developmental aid organizations make up their customer base.
About UNOPS
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an executive body of the United Nations that supports projects of partners in peacekeeping as well as humanitarian and development projects around the world.