Sanyo and Panasonic just announced the Everleds, a high-tech street light that combines solar cells and lithium-ion batteries. Unlike previous solar street lights, Everleds doesn’t require a separate bulky battery. Its slim, lead-free design makes it a good fit for schools, parks or streets. After a day’s charge, the high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries can power the street light up to 15 hours every night.

The Everleds received the Good Design Award 2010 from Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization. Two versions will be released in January 2011 in Japan.