SOKOYO, a leading manufacturer of solar street lights, has completed the installation of 252 sets of lighting units for QatarEnergy's solar power project in Ras Laffan and Masaieed, Qatar. The project, built by Samsung C&T Corp., was finalized in July, with the solar panel arrangement customized at the customer's request for ease of maintenance. Ms. Kathy, senior procurement manager for Samsung, praised the solution, stating that "the entire solar street lighting system consistently met our expectations for brightness, battery life and overall reliability."
Founded in 2008, SOKOYO has manufactured over 1 million lighting units installed across Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The company produces its own LED modules, solar panels, batteries, light housings, and poles, holding third-party certifications for European Union and other international safety standards, enabling global export. SOKOYO is also regularly appointed to bodies that establish national and industry standards, underscoring its influence in the sector.
The company's product line includes all-in-one, all-in-two, and split-type solar street lights, all controllable via IoT technology to enhance safety and efficiency. By relying on solar power, these lights are immune to disruptions in oil and gas supplies, a strategic advantage in regions with unstable energy infrastructure. As the industry shifts toward "system-level R&D," SOKOYO focuses on reducing customer costs by improving reliability and resilience to extreme temperatures. The company is also developing smart lighting and IoT applications, promoting modular production, intelligent manufacturing, and standardized process management.
SOKOYO's research team comprises seven engineers, some with over two decades of experience, who develop technology tailored to diverse environments and customer needs. This expertise has enabled the company to thrive in markets such as Thailand, the Philippines, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria, where it has developed solutions to cope with heat, humidity, sandstorms, and low light during extended rains—a challenge in central Africa and other regions.
In Uganda, SOKOYO supplied 1,000 light sets to improve safety on a busy expressway between Kampala and Jinja, providing the first nighttime lighting on a 22-kilometer stretch crowded with trucks, buses, and motorcycles. In Yemen and the UAE, the company's LED modules are designed to withstand intense heat, sun, and sand. Additionally, SOKOYO has supplied over 2,000 light units to Saudi Arabia's planned high-tech city of NEOM as part of the Saudi 2030 Vision plan.
Customers can utilize SOKOYO's test facilities to experiment with various light configurations, including a 1,100-square-meter darkroom with roads up to four lanes, ensuring optimal light distribution and eliminating dark areas for improved safety. Batteries undergo rigorous testing for resistance to crushing, heat, cold, vibration, overcharging, and drops, while LED modules are subjected to salt spray for up to 72 hours to verify corrosion resistance.
SOKOYO has been involved in formulating eight national and industry standards, including the "General Technical Specification for Solar Photovoltaic Lighting Devices" in 2025, which defines standards for split-type and integrated solar devices. The company's products hold third-party certifications meeting International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and its batteries comply with the CB scheme recognized in over 50 countries. Solar panels have received IEC certification for electric shock protection, temperature changes, damp heat, humidity, hail impact, and other factors.
SOKOYO is committed to improving the industry's reputation by promoting "zero false labeling" and reliable products that refuse to cut corners. The company also prioritizes environmental responsibility, designing products to minimize light pollution and limit disruption to wildlife, stargazers, and the public.
