Photovoltaics (PV) have been incorporated into many applications but have so far not been used to power insect control systems. The system developed under this project has proven partially effective in the control of harmful insect pests. Its market potential is possibly high, if system costs can be reduced as it would require the use of fewer insecticides, with the associated environmental benefits.
Novel uses for PV are currently under investigation. The main objective of this project was to develop a prototype PV powered electrocuting light trap for insect pest control in remote areas where there is no electricity and the use of insecticides is extensive, for example, in camping grounds, stables, remote farmhouses and open plantations. The application was expected to reduce the population of several species of harmful insects to a tolerable level, thus avoiding the extensive use of pesticides. The specific project objectives were, firstly, the identification and verification of optimised configurations and the placement of individual electrocuting light trap units in test sites to control a number of insect species which are harmful to human beings, animals and crops. This took into consideration cost effective design and power utilisation. Secondly, the project aimed to develop guidelines and specifications for the complete PV powered electrocuting light traps as well as for their key components and recommendations for their most efficient operation.