{"id":3682,"date":"2012-02-16T07:37:00","date_gmt":"2012-02-16T07:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=3682"},"modified":"2012-02-16T07:37:00","modified_gmt":"2012-02-16T07:37:00","slug":"21st-century-lamplighters-arrive-in-historic-boston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=3682","title":{"rendered":"21st Century Lamplighters Arrive in Historic Boston"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Lamplighter\"<\/a><\/div>\n

While Boston\u2019s historic gas-powered street lamps still need to be lit, the 21st century lamplighter looks a lot different then our friend pictured above.<\/p>\n

\"DSC_1310<\/a><\/div>\n

Last week, Michael Doyle and his colleagues from the Boston Public Works Street Lighting Division installed 12 new solar-assisted gas light fixtures on Marlborough Street. This is a test of a new technology designed to save money by having gas street lights turn on when needed, rather than remain on 24 hours a day.  <\/p>\n

\"PMC_7202<\/a><\/div>\n

Here\u2019s a closer look at the system as it was being installed. The solar panel charges a battery. A photo sensor tells the system when light is needed, and a control opens the gas valve and lights the lamp. In daylight, the control turns off the gas. <\/p>\n

\"PMC_7213<\/a><\/div>\n

This crew had just come from Thompson Square in Charlestown where they\u2019d installed 8 similar units. According to the Charlestown Patriot-Bridge<\/a>, the plan to give a solar assist to hundreds of gas lamps throughout the city of Boston is expected to save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.<\/p>\n

\"DSC_1325<\/a><\/div>\n

Officials claim the lamp\u2019s battery can last almost 3 weeks without sunlight and won\u2019t need replacing for at least 5 years. Now, that's a Lamplighter!<\/p>\n

Learn more about Boston\u2019s solar-assisted gas lamp project at Going Greener: Gas Lamps Grow More Efficient<\/a> from the Charlestown Patriot-Bridge. <\/p>\n

What's on your energy efficient shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon<\/a>\"\" from here to support this site!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n