Southampton Airport has become the first in the UK to install solar powered runway safety lights.
The hi-tech devices, nicknamed Wig Wags because of their distinctive flashing patterns, are used at intersections between the runway and taxiways to safely guide aircraft and vehicles.
Bosses say the new devices will save them £170,000 as they can be used in remote areas of the airport that would have otherwise required a electricity supply.
The batteries are charged via solar panels which convert the energy into electricity and store enough to operate lighting for up to 120 days.
Steve Thurston, Southampton Airport manager, said: "As the lights are 100 per cent solar powered, we've been able to minimise the environmental footprint and maintenance costs by using a renewable energy light source."
The innovative lights were successfully piloted at Southampton Airport during last winter and have now replaced the previous conventional lighting systems at a cost of £25,000.
Other users of the lights include the US Air Force and Army in Afghanistan and Toronto International Airport in Canada.
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