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Philips extends play with the world’s first solar-powered LED football floodlighting solution


WEBWIRE

Eindhoven, the Netherlands/Johannesburg, South Africa – Philips is to enable people with little or no access to electricity to enjoy playing or watching sport long into the night with the world’s first dedicated solar-powered LED floodlighting (intense beams of light) solution.



Some 1.6 billion people in the world today are unable to connect to a regular electricity supply. The new Philips system will enable communities in developing and developed markets alike to participate in social, educational, cultural and commercial activities after sunset - including the world’s most popular sport, football.



Launched today at simultaneous press events in the Netherlands and South Africa, the system is available as a fully portable solution. Using the very latest energy-efficient LED lighting technology, the system can illuminate areas up to 40x20m with bright white light. Advanced battery cells provide up to eight hours of floodlighting on a single solar charge – the equivalent of two or three full evening football matches or training sessions. The system is also highly sustainable, with a rugged design able to withstand the extreme rigors of life in some of the more challenging and remote terrains in the world.



“This is a fantastic initiative,” says Kanu, the Nigerian international footballer, who is working with Philips to help promote the floodlighting system around the world. “Football is a universal language, especially in Africa. Enabling children and adults to be active in playing football and other sports, even once the sun goes down, will enrich their lives, their health and their well-being considerably.”



“Our new solar-powered LED floodlighting solution is a wonderful example of Philips’ application of meaningful innovation based on our insight and understanding of people’s needs,” says Marc de Jong, CEO of the Professional Luminaires business of Philips Lighting. “I am extremely proud by this application of our expertise in LED lighting and sports lighting in particular, helping to bring the fun and enjoyment of sports to communities where a lack of electricity limits participation.”



The new solar LED floodlighting system is available to order now from Philips on a project basis. Philips can provide a total solution including the LED floodlights, portable poles, solar panels and batteries, or just a set of floodlights. The system can also be used for non-sporting applications in locations without access to an electricity grid, such as evening classes in remote villages, safety and security, shops or outdoor markets, or emergency lighting for disaster situations. More information can be found at www.philips.com/offgridlighting



About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs more than 118,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.



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