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Going off the grid when it comes to energy use means switching to other energy sources aside from the typical electricity we get from power plants and transformers. Doing this has become a trend over the last ten years for various reasons that you, yourself, would love and be fascinated by!
One of the major innovations that we utilize today is the application of solar energy to lighting solutions, more specifically, on street lights. Indeed, it would be a waste not to use the solar energy lighting poles are exposed to all day. Solar street lights can bring you immense benefits over time, so here’s how and why you should switch to off-grid solar street lighting.
How solar street lights work
What comes first into your mind when you hear the word solar? Yes, you’ve guessed it right! Solar refers to anything that has to do with the sun. In this case, solar street lights utilize the sun’s energy, or solar energy, to produce bright lights at night. With state-of-the-art technology, we can use the almost unending energy supply from the sun all year round.
Components
It is essential to learn about a solar street light’s parts to understand better how they work. Generally, a solar street light comprises a solar panel, battery system, lighting fixture, controller, bracket, and pole. They can harness solar energy to ensure that your chosen location is adequately illuminated with the correct configuration.
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Process
The process begins with the solar panel gathering energy from sunlight. Then, it will store this energy in its battery system. Once the batteries are complete, a controller will automatically cut off its connection with the solar panel to prevent overcharging. At night, the light controls integrated with the street light will automatically discharge illumination.
Some products like HeiSolar Lights pack intelligent features such as passive infrared motion sensors. This makes it possible for the solar street light to detect if people are nearby to light up or increase its brightness. When no one passes by it, it will decrease its light intensity to conserve energy. Here’s the fun part: all this fancy stuff is integrated into just one lighting pole!
Steps to solar street lighting solutions
Switching to off-grid solar street lighting is pretty straightforward. However, it doesn’t hurt to read some helpful tips for a more successful lighting solution. We have compiled a series of steps you should take to enjoy the advantages of using solar street lights.
Consider the location of your street light.
The location of your street light may be suitable or optimal based on three factors: the amount of sunlight, size of the area, and obstructions to illumination.
Ensure sunlight exposure
You can make the best use of your solar street light by ensuring that it gets enough sunlight to power up at night. Remember that it uses solar energy, so its power supply is highly dependent on its sunlight exposure.
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Factor in the area size
Keep in mind that area size will determine how adequate your light is. If you are trying to illuminate a vast space, consider increasing the number of your street lights or their lumen discharge.
Remove or avoid blockages to light
It would be optimal to choose a space where trees and buildings won’t block the light. After all, the primary purpose of your street light is to illuminate an area. If possible, you may opt to remove these blockages for convenience.
Prepare your budget.
The deciding factor for your purchase is still your budget. Knowing and anticipating how much money you’re going to spend is thus necessary. Here’s a simple budget breakdown of your possible expenses.
Price
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The price of a single unit of solar street light amounts to 1300 USD up to 1800 USD. Remember that the prices may vary depending on the manufacturer. It will get more pricey the more advanced features it packs with.
Maintenance fees
Solar street lights require simple maintenance, such as battery replacement, every five to seven years, which costs around 1000 USD. Choosing good quality and long-lasting power storage like HLC Lithium-ion batteries can further lower your expenses.
Make your purchase.
Now that you are aware of the possible considerations for switching to solar street lighting, you can now make your purchase. It is recommended to shop around and choose the most suitable deal to fit your lighting solution needs. Look for reputable manufacturers that can provide you with excellent products.
Why you should use solar street lights
The best part of using solar street lights is that you will incur no hefty electric bills over time. As mentioned, it uses solar energy, an abundant source you can utilize just by exposing the product under direct sunlight. This feature is also what makes them a green solution to preventing global warming.
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They don’t get power from electric grids, supplied mainly by energy from carbon-emitting processes like burning fossil fuels. LED lights also have a longer lifespan than other lighting fixtures and lamps. Replacing them becomes less frequent, effectively reducing the waste we produce. Of course, the main course is that you get an efficient lighting solution.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s pretty easy to see the advantages of solar street lights. Not only can you save money, get superb lighting for your space, but you can also help save the environment. Now, you know how and why switching to off-grid solar street lighting is an excellent thing to do. Switch to solar street lighting today!