The Ultimate Guide to Solar Panel Street Lights

The Ultimate Guide to Solar Panel Street Lights

Do you need solar lighting solutions for use on your premises? If yes, this is definitely a great decision you are making. Compared to conventional lighting technology, solar panel street lights come with many benefits especially on costs and the impact created in the environment. Additionally, they can be used for different applications including lighting pathways, recreation centers, security lighting and parking lots among others. These off-grid lighting solutions are a good alternative to the national electricity grid, which may not be reliable at all times. Solar panel street lights are a great alternative to consider.

Solar technology is somewhat a new evolution although it has been around for a long time. The need for alternative green sources of energy has prompted institutions, governments and individuals like you to move towards solar systems for different applications and use in our world today. So, what is there to know about solar panel lights? Here is a perfect guide for you!

 What are Solar Panel Lights?

These are off-grid solar-powered lights comprising of a solar panel, battery, solar charge controller and an LED light source. These are the main modules that form part of the solar panel street lights. Here is what you need to know about each of these four features:

  1. The Solar Panel. This is the main component used to tap radiation from the sun. Solar panels work by collection this energy and converting it to electricity during the day. This electric power is then stored as chemical energy in batteries.

Solar panels come in different types: polycrystalline and monocrystalline. It is important to note that the monocrystalline solar panels are effective in performance compared to the polycrystalline ones. This is especially in cold conditions. Owing to their high energy conversion rates, monocrystalline solar panels are the type you need to install in cold weather.

  1. The Light Source. It is important to note that these are LEDs since they are a good energy-saving option. Quality solar panel street lights come with LED light sources to ensure high performance when it comes to saving energy. This new generation lighting product is what you need based on the application.

LEDs come in different size and wattage. With the help of a professional and certified solar installer, you should be able to get the right wattage and size of your solar panel street lights. Ensure you get LED light sources for your lights for a great experience.

  1. Solar Battery. The battery used here is special and not like conventional car batteries. Solar batteries are designed to discharge a small amount of energy over a long period of time. They are known as deep-cycle batteries designed for enduring power supply, many cycle times and deep discharges.

Of these batteries, there are two types: lithium and lead-acid. However, lithium-ion is most preferred and used for solar panel street lights. This is so because they require minimal or no maintenance at all, relatively affordable, can survive irregular discharging, are smaller in size and most importantly, they have a longer lifespan.

  1. Solar Charge Controller. A charge controller is also part of an integrated solar street light. They also come in different times: PWM (pulse width modulated), MPPT (Maximum power point tracking) and Simple 1 or 2 stage controls. Get to find out what is used in your solar panel street lights.

MPPT is most preferable since they convert all energy collected in solar panel lights better than the rest. It has basic functions for dusk to dawn control, motion sensor control, time control and control of preventing low voltage disconnect (LVD( and overcharge.

All these features are what differentiate between good solar panel street lights from the rest. It is important to go into these details if you want the best experience with your solar lights. In your search for reliable solar lights installer, it will do you good to have this information with you since it will help your engineer know the kind of illumination you are looking for!

Why Use Solar Panel Street Lights?

Solar lights for lighting streets come with a lot of benefits. Choosing modern solar lights over conventional street light solutions guarantees you the following:

  • Ease of Installation

There is no sophistication with solar street lights. No trenching and wiring are required. It will take you minutes to get your installation done. You don’t need the skills of an engineer to do it. At the end of it all, a lot of time and resources will have been spared.

  • Save on Energy and Operation Costs

Unlike traditional street lights that came with high wattage bulbs, LED lighting from solar panel street lights will get you the energy-saving solution you have been looking for. This comes with even better lighting needed for your use!

Savings on energy translates to other benefits especially on costs of operation that are way lower than for conventional street lights in the long-term.

Conclusion

If you are looking for solar panel street lights to buy, you need to understand the basics of what these products are all about. That way, you will be able to make well-informed decisions about the kind of lighting products you want for your use. Make use of this simple guide to identifying quality lights for installation along streets and pathways!