Trials of high-speed wireless internet provided by technically-advanced lampposts are about to start on a private site in Scotland. The lampposts are charged from solar energy so can be erected in almost any remote location as they don't rely on street electricity.

The new photovoltaic technology, which will be showcased in Dundee, will mean that no local community needs to be without reliable, economic street lighting with the added benefit of WIFI technology outside their front doors.

The pilot project will be run in on the roof of the University of Abertay in Dundee, but later this year the project is to be extended to a nearby student village.

The StarSight system is extraordinarily innovative in its simplicity. The very latest solar technology, originally designed around disaster recovery in the Third World, has been adapted for use in developed countries. The light output is provided by high efficiency light-emitting diodes and the lamp will recharge in even overcast conditions.

It is envisaged that every street lamp in the UK could be changed to solar energy over a period of approximately 3-5 years and in many areas the energy excess collected could be re-sold to the national grid.

Local authorities will be looking to charge for the internet connection or even provide it for free in some areas, while providing cost-free street lighting at the same time.

With almost zero carbon emissions, this technology far exceeds the Kyoto agreement guidelines and requirements, says Fife-based Compliance Technology (CTL) who is looking to sell overseas too. Final manufacture (mainly assembly) is carried out in the country of installation, providing substantial social-economic benefit.