Boffins in Scotland are wiring up lampposts with solar panels and Wi-Fi technology to provide renewable street lighting and solar powered wireless broadband.

The pilot project at the University of Abertay in Dundee is based on technology developed for disaster recovery services in the Third World.

If successful, those behind the StarSight scheme say it would provide a free energy source to light Britain's streets, with any excess energy generated resold to the national grid.

With a wireless broadband box bolted on it could also be a way to supply high speed broadband services to homes and businesses.

Said Calum McRae, head of Fife-based Compliance Technology, which is working with the university to trial the scheme: "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 Wi-Fi technology outside their front doors." ®