Like regular solar lights, solar street lights work because of the photovoltaic effect. On sunny days, the solar panel soaks up sunlight and turns it into electricity. This electricity is then stored in a battery with the help of a charge controller.
Later on, when it gets dark, the energy stored in the battery is used to power the street light. It’s a bit like saving up sunshine for when you need it at night.
The amount of electricity a solar panel can make depends on two things: how big the solar cells are and how much sunlight they get. Bigger cells and more sunlight mean more power.
How solar street light REALLY work?
If you enjoy more detailed explanations, here some more.
A solar cell is like a tiny power factory. It has layers with negatively charged electrons and positively charged spaces. When sunlight hits the cell, it activates the electrons, creating electricity. Many of these tiny cells make up a solar panel.
The solar panel is connected to a battery using a charge controller. Think of the charge controller as a traffic cop for electricity. It ensures the electricity flows smoothly and protects the battery from being overcharged or damaged.
Now, when the sun sets and it becomes dark, the solar cells stop making electricity. But that doesn’t mean the solar-powered light stops working. Special sensors, called photoreceptors, detect the lack of sunlight. These sensors signal the system to switch from using solar power to using the electricity stored in the battery. That way, the solar light continues to shine even when the sun isn’t around.
When morning comes and the sun rises again, the photoreceptors sense the light and automatically turn off the extra power stored in the battery. It’s like a smart system that knows when to use sunlight and when to use stored energy, ensuring your solar-powered devices work day and night.
2 Types of solar street lights.
When it comes to solar street lights, you’ll typically find two main types: integrated solar lights and all-in-one solar lights.
Integrated Solar Lights: These lights have the solar panels separated from the lights themselves. It’s like having the light and solar panel in different parts.
All-in-One Solar Lights: In contrast, all-in-one solar lights come with the solar panel built right into the light. Everything is in one compact unit.
Both types work in a similar way. They capture sunlight and turn it into electricity, which powers the lights. The main differences between them are the quality of the solar panel, extra features like sensors/Bluetooth, and, of course, the price.
Example of solar street lights.
Below are some examples of solar streetlights and their different features. All of these models shown are available at VSH Technology.
SSL-SOLAR-SL400 400W Solar Street Light
Here is the integrated solar light type. The light comes with a separate solar panel. This model has a remote control that lets you choose between two modes: “auto” and “manual.”
Auto Mode: In this mode, the light turns on by itself when a sensor detects that it’s dark outside. It’s like having a built-in “smart” feature that knows when it should be on.
Manual Mode: In manual mode, you’re in control. You can turn the light on whenever you want, regardless of the time or darkness. It’s like a simple switch for when you need the light to shine.
Below are the specs:
Power: 400W
Led Chip: 300pcs
Solar Panel: 5V 50w poly (Poly-crystalline Silicon 5V/25W)
Material: Aluminium+ Tempered Glass
Function: Light Control + Time Control
SSL-Solar-AL300 300W All in 1 Solar Light
This is an example of an all-in-one type. It comes with a built-in solar panel. This model also has a remote control to toggle auto or manual on.
Below are the specs:
Power: 300W
LED Chip: 600pcs LED Chips
Solar Panel: 4V 18W poly
Battery: 3.2V 18000mAh LifePo4
VS-BSL-01 VSOLAR Bluetooth Solar Light
This model of solar street light doesn’t just come in a different shape (round); it also has an extra feature – Bluetooth. With Bluetooth, you can control when the solar light turns on and off using a mobile app. It’s like having a remote control for your street light right on your smartphone.
Below are the specs:
Solar Panel: 60W, 30V
Solar Charging Time: 9 Hours
Lighting Time: 2 Nights+
Material: Steel + Alloy
Pros of Solar Lights:
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- Cost-Effective: Solar street lights may cost more initially, but they save money in the long run because they don’t need extra expenses like wiring and utility bills. They’re also low maintenance, reducing overall costs.
- Environmentally Friendly: Solar street lights use clean, renewable energy, emitting no harmful pollutants, which is good for the environment and health.
- Reliable: They work without external power sources, even in areas with no electricity access.
- Easy Installation: Solar street lights are simple to install without complex wiring, making them great for hard-to-reach areas and emergency lighting.
- Customizable: These lights can be tailored to specific needs and come in various sizes, shapes, and styles for different applications.
Cons of Solar Lights:
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- Weather Dependence: Solar street lights rely on sunlight, so they may not work well in areas with limited sun, like those with extended overcast or rainy periods.
- Initial Investment: The upfront costs for purchasing and installing solar street lights can be high, which may be a challenge for some communities or businesses.
- Limited Brightness: Solar street lights might not be as bright as traditional street lights with higher wattage, but they work well for ordinary roads.
- Battery Life: Solar street light batteries have a limited lifespan and may need replacement after about 10 years, particularly in high-usage areas.
- Maintenance: While generally low-maintenance, occasional cleaning and upkeep may be necessary to ensure they operate effectively.
VSH Technology solar street light supplier
If you’re in search of a solar street light solution, VSH Technology offers a variety of models to select from. Our expertise is at your service, ensuring you receive the perfect solution for your needs.
You can contact us via email or click here.
