A solar street light is a raised source of light powered by solar panels. The panels are generally built into the pole of the street light or mounted on the lighting structure itself. They store energy and recharge a rechargeable battery for use at night to power a fluorescent or LED lamp. Solar street lights have the potential to greatly reduce energy consumption while providing adequate illumination. To learn more about the benefits of solar street lights, read this article. Here are a few points to consider when buying a solar street light.
LEDs provide higher luminosity with lower energy consumption
LEDs are known for their brightness and colors. The brightness of an LED is measured in Lumens, a scientific unit of luminous flux. The Lumen refers to the amount of visible light that comes from an object. LEDs with a diameter of 5mm are generally listed in millicandelas (mcd). The amount of light that a 5mm LED produces is affected by the viewing angle.
LEDs produce light in a narrow range of wavelengths, ranging from visible light to ultraviolet light. Those with shorter wavelengths require higher operating voltages to produce the light. For example, blue LEDs are composed of a layer of InGaN quantum wells that are separated by a layer of GaN, called a cladding layer. The ratio of In/Ga in the quantum wells controls the light emission.
Batteries housed in sealed boxes prevent overcharging
There are many advantages to batteries housed in sealed boxes. The electrolyte within a sealed battery is protected against spills, overcharging, and loss of the electrolyte. This type of battery is also flexible, allowing it to be operated in any position without spilling the electrolyte. Sealing also controls the amount of gas produced inside the battery, so that over 99% of the gas generated during normal use recombines. Some batteries are also equipped with low pressure venting capabilities, which automatically release excess gas and reseal when the pressure increases. However, this feature isn’t fool-proof, as some leakage may occur in these batteries under certain conditions.
The most common problem with a sealed box is the possibility of overcharging. Almost all batteries come with a separator, a device that separates the positive and negative plates. This device helps prevent the negative plates from expanding during discharge and prevents overcharging. A sealed box also makes it easier to detect if the positive plate is corroded, which is a major cause of overcharging.
Motion sensor prevents overcharging
Solar powered street lights glow only from dusk to dawn, 12 hours. The intensity of light is usually the highest during these times, so the lights should be adjusted to be brighter during these times. A motion sensor prevents overcharging of these lights by dimming the lights when people walk by. It can also be programmed to stay on for a specific amount of time, such as a few hours, or to remain on full power from dusk until dawn.
Smart technology improves the reliability and durability of off-grid systems by incorporating a motion sensor and other technologies. The Smart-Unit remote controller can detect motion and change lighting profiles accordingly. It can also control the lights remotely and dim the lights based on ambient light. Smart controllers are able to store data in a cloud server, allowing for monitoring and remote control of the lights.
Cost of solar street lights
The cost of solar street lights depends on the type of lighting that is installed and the power required to run it. For instance, 100W LED equivalent street lights would cost about $110 per light, while a standard street light pole would run about US$2000 or $3000. The cost of hiring an electrician to install the street light could run around $1000. These factors together would put the final cost of solar street lights between $5,000 and $8,000.
The cost of solar street lights varies greatly, but they are still an excellent alternative to traditional light sources. While solar street lights are more expensive than traditional street lights, they require minimal maintenance, only periodic cleaning. A high-quality product should provide bright lighting, be durable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions, and be waterproof. However, there are some cons to consider before purchasing one. To make the decision on whether or not a solar street light is the best option for your project, you must consider the pros and cons listed below.