The Basics of Solar Power for Outdoor Lighting

Solar power is a great way for businesses to cut down on their energy uses and provides a dependable, renewable source of energy. Not only can you save money with solar powered lighting, you can also help make a difference to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced.

Here is how the system works:

The sun’s energy charges the electrons in the solar panel, creating a current.
The direct-current (DC) is captured during the day and stored in a rechargeable battery
The battery powers the lights each night
The control system manages when the lights turn on and off, and ensures that the battery does not become overcharged

How to Design a Solar-Powered Lighting System

When considering a commercial solar lighting system there are many considerations that need to be taken into account to determine the proper size of the solar cell array and to sort out the cost involved.

Here are the following items that need to be considered:

Location
Application
Bulb type
Hours operated
Preferred fixture
Angle of solar cell panel

Once this information has been collected, your solar lighting provider will determine:

Hours of sunlight
Size of bulb
Size of panel
Model
Batteries required
Pole Spacing and placement plans to meet your requirements
Reflectors and refractors to suit your needs

Basics of LED Lighting

LED stands for light-emitting diode. An LED contains a small semiconductor that lights up when a current is applied to it. It operates much differently than standard incandescent or fluorescent bulbs which use filaments and gases to create light. Instead an LED light emits light when electricity passes through the semiconductor.

Advantages

Require very little maintenance and use much less energy
Provide a better light over incandescent lighting
Do not heat up as they use much less wattage, making for a safer bulb
Are able to light up smaller space because of their size and are shock and vibration resistant
Less prone to breakage
Do not contain mercury or other environmentally hazardous materials

Factors That Determine Solar Lighting Performance

Light bulb type
Power level of light bulb
Reflector
Refractor / Lens
Height of Pole
Spacing of Poles