When considering a 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
Depending on where you are located within the country your panels will receive different levels of light and energy from the sun. A lower light level will require larger solar panels to capture the amount of energy needed to power your lights.

Application
The types of light you plan to use affect the amount of energy you will require.

Bulb type
Choose from Cold Cathode (CCF), Compact Fluorescent (CF) or Low Pressure Sodium (LPS).

Hours operated
How many hours a day are you planning to run your lights? From sunset to sunrise, for 4 hours a day or some other selection?

Preferred fixture
There is a wide variety of fixtures to choose from.

Angle of solar cell panel
Depending on where you are located you may be better off with a flat mounted panel versus an angled one. Flat mounted panels are recommended for areas near the equator and are more resistant to high winds, while angled panels are more effective in areas where the sun is not directly overhead throughout the year.

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

Hours of sunlight
How much sun your location receives and how intense the sun is in your area.

Size of bulb
How large of a bulb is needed to give you the light you require.

Size of panel
What size of solar panel will be needed to collect enough energy to power your lights reliably.

Model
Which model of solar panel will meet your needs, while at the same time being cost effective.

Batteries required
The size of the batteries used will depend on the watts used by the light and the hours in operation each day. The amount of batteries must allow for enough stored energy to power the lights through several dark or cloudy days.

Pole Spacing and placement plans to meet your requirements

Reflectors and refractors to suit your needs
Some fixtures also allow for lens options