So, if youre wondering what exactly can be used to create an environment like this, think no further. Solar streetlights are the thing you need.
Solar streetlights, essentially, are streetlights that are powered by sunlight. They are raised light sources which are usually mounted on a pole. They are comprised of four basic parts which are: the solar panel, lighting fixture, a rechargeable battery, and a pole.
Parts of solar streetlights
1. The solar panel
The solar panel is the most important part of a solar streetlight because the solar panel does the job of converting the solar energy to mechanical energy.
2. The lighting fixture
LEDs are the basic lighting source of modern solar streetlights, as LEDs have a higher luminosity with low energy consumption.
3. Rechargeable batteries
Batteries store the electricity generated by the solar panel during the day and supply energy to the fixture during the night. There are two batteries that are used in solar streetlights. They are gel cell deep cycle batteries and lead acid batteries. It is most advisable to go for gel cell deep cycle batteries because they have a longer lifespan, about 6 years, and they are safer to install.
4. The pole
The pole is essential to all solar streetlights, as the other components are usually placed on the top of it to ensure the streetlight’s full functionality.
How solar streetlights work
During the day, the solar panel traps and stores solar energy in the battery. Once it is nighttime, the solar energy which has now been converted to electrical energy will be used to power the lighting structure. It comes on and turns off due to the motion sensors in it. The average solar streetlight works for about 2–5 years.
Weve come far, having discussed the parts of solar streetlights and how they function as a whole. However, everything stated here doesn’t quite give enough reason to purchase a solar streetlight. So, you might be interested in looking at the advantages of solar streetlights.
Advantages of solar streetlights
1. Good cost advantage
It is true that the initial cost of solar streetlights is more than that of normal streetlights, but it is important to also consider the installation of streetlights. Solar streetlights are very easy to install as they simply require sticking a pole to the ground. But in the case of normal electricity powered streetlights, things are much more complicated. With electricity powered streetlights, one would have to consider the electrical connection which can only be done by a skilled electrician who would have to be paid. The constant electricity bills are also something to consider, as they would make the overall cost much more expensive than that of solar streetlights.
2. Little maintenance requirement
In the case of solar streetlights, maintenance doesn’t occur so often as the batteries of solar streetlights are made to last for 5-7 years. The panel gets cleaned by rainwater and its long-lasting designs are meant to handle normal rainfall. The controller keeps it off during the day to prevent it from wearing out easily. In the case of normal streetlights, the cost of maintenance is increased as it requires more frequent attention than solar streetlights.
3. Guaranteed safety
Since external wires are not connected to the pole, the chances of an accident occurring is reduced. It is also not completely electrically powered so the chances of a spark in the system is rather low.
4. Ecologically friendly
Although not all normal streetlights are powered by electricity gotten from fuel and other natural resources, the rate at which fuel is used to power electricity is still very high in West African countries like our homeland, Nigeria. The usage of these resources is a huge reason for global warming all around the world. But because solar streetlights are powered through solar energy, there is no burning of coal or usage of fuel, and this is a good thing for the environment. Additionally, the electricity produced from solar panels does not pollute the environment.
5. Easily rechargeable
Since solar streetlights are powered by solar energy, it is very easy to charge and power them.
Though solar streetlights have a few disadvantages such as high initial cost, they are a very resourceful and useful thing to have around you. If you have decided on making use of solar streetlights, we at Daibau are eager to help. We are available to assist you with whatever you need; be it purchase or installation.
Contact us today to get started!
Expert tips on solar panels you need to know by Karlot Energy Q1. Are solar systems suitable for all regions in Nigeria? Yes they are. Q2. Are there government incentives for installing solar systems in Nigeria? None at the moment. Q3. Can solar systems operate during cloudy or rainy weather? Yes it can operate. Q4. What is the lifespan of solar panels and other components? Solar panels - 20 to 25 years Inverters - 1 to 10 years depending on quality of equipment and applications Batteries 6 months to 15 years, depending on type, quality, and applications Engr Lawrence Osakue, Karlot Energy |