How Do I Choose A Good Solar Street Light

Introduction

Solar streetlights are one of the amazing light solutions. There are various types of solar streetlights available in the market, so it would be difficult for you to choose the right one. 

Though solar streetlights cost much more than traditional light sources, they are worth the investment. It saves you a lot of money and energy in the long run. Several companies and manufacturers offer a wide range of solar streetlights and their related components. Therefore, you must choose a light that will benefit you in the long term.

Types Of Solar Street Lights

Solar Street Lights come in two main types; Integrated Solar Lights and All In One Solar Lights. These lights offer different benefits and use unique working operations. 

All-in-one solar contains sensors that detect energy motion and give off a safe and secure experience. Integrated street lights come with large solar panels, which significantly enhance their charging capacity and work on dimming features that save energy.

• Solar Panels

Street lights lamps use solar panels to absorb the energy from sunlight and then convert it into useful electricity. Solar panels comprise pure cells of silicon. The mono-crystalline solar panels produce higher efficiency light, while poly-crystalline solar panels are only used because of their affordable price. However, to understand the solar panel’s efficiency, you must first learn about the panel’s voltage. Solar panels are made of waterproof material, which increases their durability. 

• Battery Type

If the solar lights have strong and durable batteries, then the system will run for a long time. Solar streetlights use different types of batteries, which may vary in type, size, and durability. You must know the different features a battery offers. Moreover, each project requires a different battery so ensure that you look for one that suits your project needs. There are two types of batteries available: lithium and lead acid batteries. Lithium batteries last longer than lead-acid batteries. Also, lithium batteries have high-temperature resistance ability which makes them the best option for street lights.

Factors To Consider Before Buying Solar Street Lights

1. আলো প্রযুক্তি

Solar streetlights use two different types of lighting technology, which include LED light and HID light. The HID lamps comprise an internal arc tube, gas, and an outer covering. HID lamps transfer the voltage to the internal arc, where it ionizes the gas and produces a light. HID lamps consume more energy to generate light as compared to LED lights.  These lamps cannot withstand harsh weather, which means they are not perfect for street use.

LED lights use diodes to produce uniform and consistent light. These lights consume energy as compared to HID lights. 

LEDs get dim with time, which is the only disadvantage they have. But you can’t feel the dimming process. LED lamps consume less energy, which makes them an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution.

1. Solar Battery Capacity

Solar street lights absorb energy from the sunlight through solar panels and then store it in the battery to use the power later to light up the lights. The battery capacity of the solar street light is determined by the AH and the voltage. While most people think that it only has AH and ignore the voltage.

Both of them are integral for a battery to store large amounts of energy in it. If you are looking for batteries with some AH, then make sure the voltage must be high. 

It means that, choose a battery that gives a combination of greater amperes and voltage output in one hour. If you go for a low volatility battery, it would not provide enough capacity to store LED solar light power.

1. Luminous Efficacy

Luminous Efficacy refers to the solar streetlights’ lighting efficiency. It is measured in the units of lumens per watt (lm/w). LED lights are one of the best lighting sources that use less energy to produce sufficient brightness. 

The efficacy of luminosity directly depends on how much light is used the watt. LED lights are the best example of high-intensity luminosity as compared to other traditional fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps.

The fluorescent lamp only produces 50-60 lumens on one watt, whereas, incandescent lamps only generate 12-24 lumens on one watt usage. Whereas, LED light lamps come in various types of lumens per wattage options, and every light produces high consistent brightness.

1. Solar Panel Size

Solar panels absorb the energy from the sunlight and then convert it into useful power. Therefore, the solar panel size plays an important role in the functionality of the solar street lights.

Manufacturers have introduced small solar panels that absorb more energy and work efficiently. So, even a small-sized solar panel can also work effectively while maintaining its look. Hence, never think that large-size solar panels will produce more energy as compared to smaller solar panels.

1. Solar Panel Durability

Last but most importantly, check for the lifespan of the solar lights you want to purchase. For instance, if you buy a solar panel that can barely withstand strong weather conditions such as snow, heavy wind, hail, and rainfall. This means that the durability of solar panels is not good, and you need to replace them sooner. 

Reputable manufacturers do not compromise on the quality of solar panels. They ensure that their products withstand extreme conditions of the weather through rigorous tests.

Moreover, you must also look for built-in features in the solar street light to safeguard the lifespan of its battery. A solar panel that contains a passive infrared sensor(PIR) ensures the long lifespan of its battery.

1. Environmental Impact

Conclusion 

Some factors must be considered while choosing a solar street light for you. Make sure to never select a light by just its appearance and price. Instead of these features, look at the quality and performance of the product. Many engineering systems need stable, durable, and reliable solar systems. So be sure to look for one carefully.