Solar street lights are raised light sources which are powered by photovoltaic panels generally mounted on the lighting structure or integrated in the pole itself. The photovoltaic panels charge a rechargeable battery, which powers a fluorescent or LED lamp during the night
FEATURES:
Most solar panels turn on and turn off automatically by sensing outdoor light using a light source. Solar streetlights are designed to work throughout the night. Many can stay lit for more than one night if the sun is not available for a couple of days. Older models included lamps that were not fluorescent or LED.
Latest designs use wireless technology and fuzzy control theory for battery management. The street lights using this technology can operate as a network with each light having the capability of performing on or off the network.
COMPONENTS:
Solar street lights consist of 4 main parts:
- 1.Solar Panel
- 2.Lightning Fixture
- 3.Rechargeable Battery
- 4.Pole
Advantages:
- Solar street lights are independent of the utility grid. Hence, the operation costs are minimized.
- Solar street lights require much less maintenance compared to conventional street lights.
- Since external wires are eliminated, risks of accidents are minimized.
- This is a non polluting source of electricity
- Separate parts of solar system can be easily carried to the remote areas
- It allows the saving of energy and also cost.
Disadvantages:
- Initial investment is higher compared to conventional street lights.
- Risk of theft is higher as equipment costs are comparatively higher.
- Snow or dust, combined with moisture can accumulate on horizontal PV-panels and reduce or even stop energy production.
- Rechargeable batteries will need to be replaced several times over the lifetime of the fixtures adding to the total lifetime cost of the light.
The charge and discharge cycles of the battery are also very important considering the overall cost of the project.
