The aftermath of Sept. 11 has also raised the profile of Victoria-based Carmanah Technologies Inc. It landed six new contracts for its solar-powered lanterns, including a $35,000 order for the U.S. navy. The navy needs the lights to mark floating barricades deployed around ships at anchor, a requirement that grew in urgency after the bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen last year, as well as the World Trade Center attack. About the size of a coffee tin, the marine lights feature a domed solar panel that sits on top of each unit like a lid, charging a sealed lead-acid battery that powers light- emitting diodes.
Lights Ahoy!
December 10, 2001
