Solar streetlights are a popular and innovative solution for illuminating public spaces sustainably and cost-effectively. Nevertheless, few people understand the solar street light working principles apart from manufacturers and distributors. We know they produce light at night, but most of us cannot explain their components. Join us as we explore the solar street light working principle and break down the five essential components that make these lights so effective.
Overview of Solar Street Light
Most solar streetlights are installed on lighting structures and powered by rechargeable batteries. The street lights use Photovoltaic panels to charge the batteries. At night, the batteries power the LED lights. Moreover, as far as the solar street light working principle is concerned, some of them have sensors that enable the solar panels to automatically turn and off when they sense outdoor light with the assistance of the source of light. This helps conserve energy and maximize efficiency.
Working Principle
Solar street light working principle is easy and simple. Solar street lights have photovoltaic cells that are responsible for converting the sunlight’s radiation into electricity. The device’s semiconductor materials facilitate the process of conversion of solar energy into electricity. The energy conversion process is known as the “photovoltaic effect.” The electrical energy is stored in solar batteries. If the illumination decreases to 10lux, the circuit voltage of approximately 4.5V will be opened by the solar cell board. Then, the amount of voltage value moving from the battery to other parts of the street light system will be determined by the charge and discharge controller. Moreover, the charge and discharge controller is also known for protecting the battery.
Solar Street Light Components
Apart from just knowing the solar street light working principle, there is a need for familiarizing yourself with its components. The following are the major components of such kind of street light.
Solar panel
The solar street light working principle cannot be effective without a solar panel. In other words, this is an important part of each solar street light. The solar panel is responsible for converting solar energy into electric energy. A solar street light can either have mono-crystalline or poly-crystalline. As compared to poly-crystalline, the mono-crystalline solar panel’s conversation rate tends to be much higher.
Lighting Fixture
According to research, today, most solar street lights use LED technology. Therefore, it is an abomination to speak about the solar street light working principle without mentioning LED technology, which makes it possible for the solar street lights to provide higher lumens, using lower power energy. As compared to the HPS fixtures, the rate of energy consumption of the LED fixture is 50% lower.
Rechargeable Batteries
Just like the light fixture, the solar street light working principle cannot be effective without solar street rechargeable batteries. During the day, these batteries are meant for storing electric energy from the solar panel. Generally, solar street light is known for having two kinds of batteries: lead-acid batteries and gel cell deep cycle batteries.
Smart Features
In advanced solar street lights, there are three smart features:
- Motion Sensor; Advanced solar street lights are equipped with a motion sensor that detects movement within their range. When it detects any movement, the light automatically turns on at full brightness. After a few seconds of no movement, the light dims down to conserve energy.
- Light Sensor; The light sensor in the solar street light has a sensitivity range of 10-15 lux. This means that when the ambient light level drops below this threshold, the sensor will trigger the LED light to turn on automatically.
- Remote Monitoring; The solar street lights also feature remote monitoring capabilities. This means that the user can monitor the performance and status of the street light from a remote location using a computer or mobile device.
Pole
Strong poles are of great significance to the solar street light working principle since panels, fixtures and in some cases, batteries are mounted on them.
Advantages of understanding the solar street light
Upon understanding the solar street light working principle, it becomes easier and cheap to operate the solar street lighting system. You will realize that solar street light does not pollute the environment. Moreover, the working principle has reduced the chances of an accident since there are no electric wires used in the system.
Disadvantages of the solar street light
Although installation and component purchases of solar street lights can be pricey, the benefits are worth it. Unfortunately, theft can be a concern, but don’t let that dim your excitement. And while some rechargeable batteries may need to be changed periodically, these systems typically experience fewer mechanical problems than traditional lighting. Of course, weather can affect their performance – cloudy and rainy days may not provide enough sunlight, and moisture and snow can also impact their effectiveness. But with proper maintenance and care, solar street lights can bring efficient and sustainable lighting to your space.
Solar Street Light Working Principle: Conclusion
Understanding the solar street light working principle is crucial to harnessing the full potential of this innovative technology. Solar street lights are a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for illuminating our streets and public spaces. As we continue to prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency, it’s exciting to see the advancements in solar technology and the positive impact it can have on our communities.
Do you have any questions about the solar street light working principle? Contact us.
