Every purchase has a story and a goal. What is yours? What are your needs? What matters?… Choosing the right solar street light for highway use can be a daunting task. Over the years, serving diverse customers, we’ve discovered there is always a disconnect between what manufacturers think is needed and what the customers need. This concept is especially true for solar street lights for highway systems as there are various street lights, and not every single one will meet your needs. We’ve crafted this guide to provide clarity and confidence in your decision-making process.
Factors to consider when choosing a solar street light for highway system
Let’s dive in and discover what you should keep in mind during your purchase process.
1. Selecting the right components
Each solar street light for highway systems comprises various essential components. The solar panel captures sunlight and transforms it into usable power. The lithium-ion battery serves as a reservoir for the system during the night hours or low-light periods. LED lamps light up our spaces when needed. The Mppt controller is the brainchild of the street light. It controls charge and discharge levels, LED lights, and other vital functions. Sensors like dusk-to-dawn sensors help automate lighting and control parameters. The housing protects the whole system from damage or deterioration. These are but a few components that are a crucial part of the working mechanism of a solar street light highway system.
There are a lot more components that you can add to your system based on your needs. Firstly, remote monitoring systems can be a good idea if you need to access your street lights remotely for maintenance, troubleshooting, and real-time data. With the rise of internet and IOT integration, having a future-proof system is crucial. Motion-sensing features have also been on the rise. These sensors can increase or decrease light intensity and trigger security features in response to motion. Motion sensors are the perfect addition to your solar street light for highway systems, as they can provide adaptive lighting based on traffic conditions.
2. Location analysis
Location is one of the most critical aspects when considering a solar street light for highway systems purchases. The placement of these systems can impact their functionality. Take your time to analyze where you will place the solar street light and account for factors such as sunlight exposure. Ensure the area receives ample sunlight exposure to maximize energy generation. Shedding is also a critical factor. Consider vegetation, nearby buildings, and other potential obstructions, as they can hinder the efficiency of the solar panels.
Moreover, consider the traffic patterns of the road. If it’s a frequently busy highway, opt for quality LED lights, as they may be the first component to degrade or wear out. Also, consider the optimal placement( distance between each solar street light for highway systems) to discover how many you need to buy. The placement is vital as it provides adequate visibility for the road users.
3. Price
Since time immemorial, we have all used price as a determining factor before purchase. The price of a solar street light for highway use is crucial, but do not let it fully blind your judgment. Cheap is not always the best. Various aspects can help you find the right balance between the value of your money and functionality.
Consider the quality of the components in the solar street lights. Quality components often carry a higher purchase price. The price is offset by the reliability and durability these components can offer over the years. Moreover, consider the reputation and reliability of the manufacturer. A reputable company will attract a higher price point, but you gain confidence in the reliability of their products.
Also, consider the long-term ownership cost of the solar street light for highway use. A lower purchasing price is always appealing, but the street light may cost you more in the long run in maintenance and replacement costs. Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis. A higher-priced but more efficient and durable system may offer a better ROI in the long term, making it a worthwhile investment.
4. Efficient design
The design of the solar street light for highway systems is critical. Does the design fit your expectations and meet your needs? Keep in mind the components that are crucial for your needs. Choosing quality LED lights with high luminous efficacy and lower power consumption can extend the operating hours of the system. Using smart-lighting controls can dramatically change the operation of the system. Features such as programmable dimming schedules and remote monitoring capabilities give you precise light output control. Moreover, advanced battery management systems optimize energy storage and prolong battery life.
You can further increase the efficiency of the solar street light for highway use during the installation process. Properly orienting the solar panels is among the various things you can do to improve efficiency. When the panels can absorb the maximum sunlight, you improve energy production and the system’s efficiency. If you are in a region with frequent seasonal changes, choose a street light with an adjustable tilt angle. The tilt angle allows the solar panel to absorb sunlight during different times of the year and increase energy generation. Choose a street light with an automated tracking system to dynamically follow the sun’s path.
5. Battery storage capacity
For a solar street light, the battery is the most crucial element. There are various solar street light batteries, such as lithium-ion, lithium-ion phosphate, and the new solid-state batteries. All these battery technologies have their pros and cons. Ensure you choose a battery system that can last longer and meet your needs. We recommend a LiFePO4 battery for its energy density, cycle life, cost, and environmental impact.
The battery capacity should be able to store enough energy to power the system throughout the night. Factors such as the wattage of the LED lights can influence how fast the system consumes the stored energy. Find out and calculate the total energy consumption against the battery capacity. Ensure that the battery’s capacity exceeds what the street light needs to operate effectively. Also, find out the recommended system autonomy of the battery. Autonomy is the number of consecutive nights the lights can operate without receiving additional solar energy. Choose a street light with about 3-5 days of system autonomy.
The depth of discharge is also another critical factor to consider. DOD is the percentage of the battery’s total capacity that should be discharged. Deep discharge can shorten the lifespan of the batteries. Always aim for a shallow discharge (typically between 50% and 70%).
solar street light for highway use
Conclusion
We recommend you do your due diligence before purchasing any solar street light for highway use. This proactive approach will save you from sleepless nights and headaches. We trust that the insights we have shared with you have equipped you to navigate the market more effectively. Do you have any specific questions? Contact us.
