Town says it's lights out (for now) for use of solar-powered lighting Town should keep its current conventional hard-wired electrical supply system. But Halton Hills council members were The future of solar-powered light is dark not ready to give up on solar power and in Halton Hills after a trial study was done at urged staff to keep updated on advances in technology for future use. Kinsmen Parkette in the past year. "This is something we should keep watchThe Town of Halton Hills Recreation and Parks Department installed a solar-powered ing to see if it does develop to a point that is light standard to light a walkway at the par- viable," said Wards 1 and 2 Regional kette on Edwards St. in Georgetown in Councillor Clark Somerville. "It would be great to get part of the Town's electrical January 2006. needs off the hydro grid But readings taken in and to be provided February, July and through reliable solar September showed that power." illumination was only 20 `This is something "Although we don't per cent of the optimum we should keep meet the standards that recommended by the watching to see if are set out, maybe there Illuminating Engineering is still a role for these Society of North it does develop to solar-power lights where America (IESNA), and a point that is they are not needed to the standard adopted by illuminate area where viable.' GTA municipalities and CLARK CPTED (Crime PreventSOMERVILLE there is high activity, but are sufficient to deter ion Through Environvandalism," added Wards mental Design). The 13-watt compact fluorescent lamp 3 and 4 Regional Councillor Jane Fogal. Recreation and Parks Department Director used is restricted by the capacity and efficiency of the energy storage batteries mounted Terry Alyman noted technology is increasing inside the light cabinet. Cold temperatures in this area, but pointed out that other counalso further reduce the light output and the tries using solar power benefit from much warmer and sunnier climates. But, he agreed efficiency of the storage batteries. In comparison, walkways at the Gellert that it was "absolutely" worth watching Community Park are illuminated with a 70- future technological advances. The solar-power light at Kinsmen Parkette watt high-pressure sodium lamp that meets will remain and will be monitored by Town the IESNA standard. Other low wattage light sources, such as staff. LED, also do not meet the IESNA standard. Although there are benefits to solar power (such as savings), staff recommended the