Questions You Should Know about Solar Street Light Manufacturer

Why are these questions being asked?

Avoid overspending by making sure the lighting system uses the right-sized components for your project’s requirements rather than using an unnecessary pricey system to make up for bad design.

Avoid battery changes or automatic shut-offs by installing a system that will be able to meet your long-term lighting needs rather than one that causes the lights to dim, causes the battery to fail too soon, or turns the lights off entirely.

Q1. Ask About The Project Location

Where exactly is the project located?

Try to get precise street addresses and site descriptions whenever feasible. Why? This enables the manufacturer’s designers to take solar insolation information into their system design. Different areas receive different amounts of sunlight each day. For example, a solar light specified for sunny, southern California would be smaller and therefore wouldn’t be able to generate enough power to provide continuous light for New York City. And a solar light specified for New York City would be unnecessarily large for California.

Knowing the project location allows the manufacturers to build and specify their systems for your exact location and to avoid proposing a system that’s too small or too large for your area.

Additionally, a street address enables the evaluation of potential shading risks, such as trees, structures, or other impediments that could shade the solar panel and reduce the efficiency of your system.

Q2. Ask About The Project Application

What kind of area are you trying to illuminate? Is it street lighting or area lighting? Knowing the basic type of street vs. pathway will change the lighting output requirement.

Why? The application may have an impact on the necessary light levels, pole height, and pole spacing. For instance, a street probably needs more light than a park or trail. Here are some possible applications:
Urban Roads
Residential street
Pathway & park
Recreational Reserve
Parking lots
Perimeter & Security entryway
General Public Area

Q3. Ask About The Project Dimensions

What is the length of the street/pathway or the size of the general area (for a parking lot, etc.)?

How much area are you trying to illuminate?

Why? The size or length of the area will affect the number of lighting systems required, and the uniformity of the light hitting the ground, which all factor into the overall project cost.

A PDF or CAD of the installation site will help the designer to realize your project in a more professional way.

Q4. Ask the Project Type

New Installation Projects
Retro-fit
Replacement of Failing infrastructure
Temporary installation

Q5. Ask About The Pole Details

Will your project require pre-existing poles or new poles?
Is there a specified pole height request? What’s kinds of poles are required? like a single-arm or double-arm pole or without an arm pole.
Why?
The height of the pole may affect the number of lighting systems required for the project.
The type of light pole may affect the cost of installation.
Height of typical streetlights: 25 to 30 feet
Height of typical walkway lights: 12 to 20 feet
Typical light pole types:
adjustable cone-shaped poles, Conical poles, octagonal poles, straight pole

If there are frequent typhoons or hurricanes in the area, your customers will also have a certain demand for the wind resistance rating of the light pole.

Q6. Ask About The Installation type

After we know the Road Width, Road lanes, and Road length, we are going to consider which installation type is suitable for our project. There is some common installation type to u check:
Installation pole height and Installation distance ( If it is a new installation project, this condition can be adjusted in the design process）
We will choose whether to lay the lights on one side, on both sides, or to cross the lights, depending on the road conditions.

1. single side installation

2. double side installation

3. double arm middle installation

Q7. Ask About The Required Light Levels And Uniformity

Is there a state/municipal standard for light levels for the project, what are they? What light levels need to be met on the ground (measured by foot candles or lux)? What uniformity requirements are there if known?
Why? Different applications will require different light levels, which plays a large role in determining the overall project cost.
Manufacturers can make a lighting design by Dailux Simulation for your project to make sure the lux and uniformity match your lighting requirement.

Q8. Ask About The Operating Profile

How long does the light need to be on each night, 6hrs or 12hrs even 14hrs? When the light is on, do the light levels need to be met throughout the night at full brightness or just at certain times with dimming mode? If you’re unsure, a good manufacturer should be able to help.
Why? The operating profile is a key aspect of a solar lighting project. Manufacturers will “tune” their systems differently for power management, based on these profiles.

Here are some examples of operating profiles:

1. Dusk to dawn (all-night operation): the light will run at the same light output level all night.
2. Dim in off-peak hours: for example, the light will run at the required light output level for 5 hours after dusk, then dim to 30% of the required light level. 2 hours before dawn, the light levels will return to 100% until sunrise.
3. Off or dimmed at an exact time: for example, the light will run at the required light output level until 11 p.m., then will turn off.
Remember the lighting profile can be customized according to customer request

An important note on dark-sky friendly lighting. Planned dimming operations during periods of low activity (midnight) can reduce overall system costs and make projects more dark-sky friendly.

Q9. Ask About The Backup on rainy days

We all know that solar lighting systems depend on sunlight to work, and if they happen to have continuous rainy days for 5-7 days, or even longer than that, the solar lights may face the risk of going out. This is why we need to consider the local lighting weather conditions when designing solar lamps to configure the right battery size to meet the normal operation of rainy days.

For example, in the UAE, where it rains less than 7 days a year, we only need to consider 1 rainy day battery backup, but in Europe, where it rains continuously, we need to consider 5 rainy day backups. The vast majority of the world considers 3 rainy days.

We calculate the size of the battery configuration based on the nightly operating mode and the rainy day backup time, and the size of the battery is a large part of the cost of the whole system. Longer rainy-day backups mean higher battery configurations and more expensive costs.

Q10. Ask About The Color Temperature

What color of light is required—warmer (3000K) or cooler (6000K)?
Why? Color temperature affects the fixture power output and can factor into the project cost. While the light color temperature may be more of a preference than a requirement, cities are leaning more towards lights with warmer color temperatures as they seem to be better for our health and the environment.

In Summary & 10 Questions to Ask: Review

Let’s review these ten questions to ask about your commercial solar lighting project. To gather the relevant project specifics, ask about the:
1. Project Location
2. Project Application
3. Project Dimensions
4. Project Type
5. Pole Height and Type
6. Installation Type
7. Required Light Levels and Uniformity
8. Operating Profile
9. Back up rainy days
10. Color Temperature
Asking these questions can ensure you’re specified a solar light that will meet your project requirements over the long term at no extra cost. You can also be confident that your lighting system won’t die prematurely or become unnecessarily large and expensive.

There are also some additional questions that you can go over with your clients

1. Do you have any specific aesthetic concerns?
2. Do you already have a budget in mind?
3. Who else is involved in your project, and what role will they play?
Planning out your public lighting project early can save you time and money.

To learn more about typical specifications of solar lighting systems and how they can affect the overall performance and cost, you can consult the HeiSolar team. Write to us at Info@heisolar.com or call us directly at 00 86 185 7665 2791 to get quick communication.

#1: Are Solar Street Lights Any Good?

Solar street lights are a great choice for outdoor lighting solutions. Here are some reasons why a solar street light pole is a good option:

• Energy Efficiency: Solar street lights are powered by renewable energy from the sun, making them highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. They harness solar power during the day and store it in batteries to use it at night, eliminating the need for grid electricity.
• Cost Savings: While the initial investment may be higher than traditional lights, there are no ongoing electricity costs as they rely on solar energy. Additionally, maintenance costs are typically lower due to their durable design and long lifespan.
• Independence and Reliability: Solar street lights operate independently of the electrical grid, making them reliable even during power outages or in remote areas without access to electricity.
• Easy Installation and Flexibility: Solar powered LED street lights are easy to install as they require minimal wiring and no connection to the grid. This makes them suitable for various locations, including rural areas, parks, parking lots, and pathways. They can be easily relocated or expanded as per the changing lighting needs. This is especially useful for solar LED parking lot lights, as it allows for flexible and scalable solutions in such a dynamic environment.
• Environmental Benefits: A solar LED street light contributes to a cleaner and greener environment. By using solar energy instead of grid electricity, they help reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
• Versatility and Smart Features: We can integrate solar street lights with smart technologies and features such as motion sensors, dimming options, and remote monitoring systems. This allows for customized lighting solutions and increased energy efficiency.

#2: How Does a Solar Street Light Work?

Solar street lights harness energy from the sun to power their lighting. Here’s a breakdown of how they function:

• Solar Panels: Solar street lights have photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that absorb sunlight during the day. These panels are typically mounted on top of the light pole or integrated into the light fixture itself. The solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity.
• Battery Storage: The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in a rechargeable battery. The battery serves as an energy storage system, allowing the solar street light to operate at night or during cloudy weather with limited or no sunlight available.
• Lighting Fixture: The lighting fixture of a solar street light contains light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, which are highly efficient and provide bright illumination. The LEDs consume minimal energy while producing high-quality light.
• Controller: A controller regulates the overall operation of the solar street light system. It manages the charging and discharging of the battery, ensuring optimal energy storage and utilization. The controller also controls the switching on and off of the light according to the ambient light conditions.
• Sensors and Smart Features: Solar street lights may have sensors and smart features to enhance their functionality. These may include motion sensors that activate the light when they detect movement, dimming options to conserve energy during low activity periods, and remote monitoring capabilities for efficient management and maintenance.

During the day, the solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, which charges the battery. As daylight diminishes and the ambient light levels drop, the controller activates the LEDs to provide illumination. The stored energy from the battery powers the LEDs, ensuring consistent and reliable lighting throughout the night.

#3: Are Solar Street Lights Sustainable?

Yes, solar street lights are considered sustainable for several reasons:

• Use of Renewable Energy: Solar street lights rely on renewable energy from the sun. They harness solar power through photovoltaic panels, converting sunlight into electricity. This renewable energy source is abundant and freely available, making solar street lights an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional grid-powered lighting.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar powered LED street lights help reduce carbon emissions. By using solar energy instead of electricity generated from fossil fuels, they contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change, and improving air quality.
• Energy Efficiency: Solar street lights are highly energy-efficient. They utilize LED lamps, which are known for their low energy consumption and long lifespan. LEDs convert a high percentage of electrical energy into light, minimizing wasted energy and maximizing illumination.
• Minimal Environmental Impact: Solar street lights have minimal environmental impact compared to conventional lighting systems. They do not require extensive trenching or wiring, reducing the surrounding environment’s disruption. Additionally, they do not generate noise pollution or contribute to light pollution, preserving the natural habitat and supporting wildlife.
• Independence from Grid Infrastructure: Solar street lights operate independently of the grid, making them suitable for remote or off-grid locations. This reduces the need for extensive infrastructure development and maintenance, leading to cost savings and increased energy independence.
• Long-Term Cost Savings: While the initial investment in solar street lights may be higher compared to conventional lights, they offer long-term cost savings. Solar street lights have lower operational and maintenance costs due to reduced energy consumption and the absence of monthly electricity bills. Over time, the savings on energy expenses can offset the initial investment.

#4: How Long Does a Solar Street Light Work?

The lifespan of a solar street light can vary depending on various factors, including the quality of components, maintenance practices, and environmental conditions. On average, a well-designed and properly maintained solar street light can have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years.

The key components of a solar street light that may require replacement over time include solar panels, batteries, LED lights, and controllers. Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, although their efficiency may gradually decline over time. Batteries, which store solar energy for use at night, may need replacement after some period, depending on their quality and usage.

LED lights used in solar street lights are known for their long lifespan, typically lasting around 50,000 to 100,000 hours. LED technology has significantly improved the durability and energy efficiency of lighting, making them a popular choice for solar street lights.

Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of solar street lights. This includes cleaning the solar panels, checking and replacing faulty components, and monitoring the battery’s health. By following recommended maintenance practices and using high-quality components, the lifespan of solar street lights can be maximized.

It’s important to note that while the components of solar powered LED street lights may have different lifespans, they can be replaced individually as needed, allowing for cost-effective maintenance and extending the overall lifespan of the system.

#5: Which Is Better – Conventional or Solar Street Light?

When it comes to street lighting, the question of which is better—conventional or solar street lights – often arises. Let’s dive into the factors that can help us determine the superior option:

• Cost Efficiency: Conventional street lights require ongoing electricity costs, while solar street lights harness the power of the sun, providing a cost-effective and sustainable lighting solution.
• Energy Efficiency: Smart solar LED lights operate using renewable solar energy, reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. Conventional street lights rely on grid power, which may be subject to fluctuations and energy loss during transmission.
• Environmental Impact: Solar street lights produce zero greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to reducing carbon footprints. Conversely, conventional street lights rely on fossil fuels and contribute to air pollution and climate change.
• Maintenance Requirements: Solar street lights have minimal maintenance needs, with longer lifespans and fewer components to replace. Conventional street lights require regular maintenance, bulb replacements, and wiring upkeep.
• Reliability: Solar street lights can operate independently of the power grid, ensuring uninterrupted lighting even during power outages. Conventional street lights are susceptible to power disruptions and rely on a functioning grid.

While both options have their merits, it’s clear that solar street lights offer significant advantages in terms of cost-efficiency, energy efficiency, environmental impact, maintenance requirements, and reliability.

#6: How Do I Choose a Good Solar Street Light?

Selecting the right solar street light for your needs requires careful evaluation. Here are some essential factors to consider when making your decision:

• Lighting Requirements: Assess the specific lighting needs of your area, such as brightness levels and coverage area, to determine the appropriate wattage and lumen output for your solar street light.
• Battery Capacity: Opt for solar street lights with sufficient battery capacity to ensure consistent lighting throughout the night, even during cloudy days.
• Solar Panel Efficiency: Consider the efficiency of the solar panels used in the street light. Look for high-quality monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels that can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: Ensure that the solar street light will withstand outdoor conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and dust. For example, a highway solar street light must endure the rigors of diverse weather conditions along the expansive stretches of roads. High-quality materials and robust construction are paramount to guarantee durability and weather resistance.
• Intelligent Features: Consider advanced features like motion sensors, dimming capabilities, and smart control systems that enhance energy efficiency and optimize lighting performance based on specific needs and conditions.
• Reviews and References: Research customer reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources to gain insights into the performance and reliability of smart solar LED lights from different manufacturers.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a high-quality solar street light that meets your lighting requirements, durability expectations, and sustainability goals.

#7: Do Solar Lights Charge on a Rainy or Cloudy Day?

Smart solar LED lights have the ability to charge even on cloudy or rainy days, although the charging efficiency may be lower in comparison to sunny days. While direct sunlight is ideal for optimal charging, solar lights can still generate electricity from diffused sunlight. The solar panels in solar lights capture and convert both direct and indirect sunlight into energy, allowing the batteries to charge and store power for nighttime use. However, it’s important to note that extended periods of cloudy or rainy weather may affect the charging time and overall performance.

#8: How High Should Solar Street Lights Be?

The height of smart solar LED lights can vary depending on various factors, such as the width of the road or area they will illuminate, the desired level of lighting, and local regulations or standards. Generally, solar street lights are at a height that allows for sufficient illumination coverage while ensuring the safety and visibility of the area.

For residential streets or pathways, a typical height range for solar street lights is around 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters). This provides adequate lighting without excessive glare or shadows. In commercial or urban areas with wider roads or higher lighting requirements, the height of solar street lights can be 20 feet (6 meters) or more.

It’s important to consider factors such as light spread, uniformity, and potential obstructions when determining the appropriate height for solar street lights. Consulting with professionals or following local guidelines can help ensure that the lights are at the optimal height for the specific application.

Explore FAQ about Solar Street Lights and Make Informed Decisions

If we know more about solar street lights, we can make better decisions about using them. This will make our cities cleaner and greener. It is important that learn about renewable energy solutions. By doing so, we can find ways to reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. In the future, we will rely more on eco-friendly technologies like solar street lights. Exploring FAQ about solar street lights will help you learn about them and use them so we can start building a cleaner and more sustainable world.