If you are looking for an affordable outdoor lighting solution, you may want to consider installing solar street lights. These are energy efficient lights that are powered by the sun. They consist of three main components; a solar panel, LED lighting fixture and batteries. Obviously, there must also be a pole on which the lighting system will be installed. As long as the sun shines, these lights can illuminate the outdoors. They can be a great backup for grid-based street lights as they will remain on when there is a power outage.

How They Work

The solar panel generates electrical energy during the day when they are exposed to direct sunlight. The energy produced is stored in the battery. At night, the lights turn on and remain on until morning when the sun comes rises. There is also a light-activated switch, which controls the switching of the device.

Benefits of Solar-Powered Lighting

i) Cost Effective

The initial capital invested in solar systems is usually high, but you can be assured of enjoying free outdoor lighting for decades to come. In many cases, the capital invested is recouped in less than 5 years as a result of reduced electricity bills.

ii) Energy Efficient

LED’s are normally used with solar lights, so this type of outdoor lighting is highly energy-efficient. This is great news for the environment as well as local residents as more outdoor spaces can be fully lit at night with minimal costs to the local authority.

iii) Easy to Install

Solar lighting systems do not require any extensive wiring for them to work. This means that they can be installed in any desired location. All that is needed is mounting of the pole, solar panel, battery and lighting fixture.

iv) Versatile

Solar-powered outdoor lights are versatile. This is because they can be used both in urban centers as well as in remote locations that do not have access to the grid.

v) Eco-Friendly

These lights are great for the environment because they reduce reliance on grid electricity, which is produced by diesel and gas generator stations. This makes them eco-friendly. By installing this type of outdoor lights in a local authority, the city can reduce its carbon footprint and help to fight global warming.

Designs

There are basically three types of designs of solar outdoor lighting systems. The first consists of a pole with the solar panel, batteries and lighting fixture mounted on the pole. The second is similar to the first except for the fact that the battery pack is mounted on the ground. The third design consists of a central solar power station with the pole and lights standing alone on the streets.