Solar street lights consist of four main parts:
- solar panel
- lighting fixture
- rechargeable battery
- pole
There are two types of solar LED lights according to design structure. Traditional solar street lights feature panels, fixtures and accessories that are wired together. Second generation all-in-one solar street lights integrate the solar panel, LED source, PIR motion sensor, die casting cap, and angle shifter into the pole itself.
Before you decide which type of solar lighting to install on your property, check out the pros and cons of each style.
Battery: lead vs. lithium
Traditional solar street lamps store power in lead-acid batteries while all-in-one solar street lights use lithium batteries. Lithium charges and discharges three times more than lead acid, so lithium batteries tend to have a longer life span.
Lead-acid batteries also don’t work well in harsh winters. Capacity is reduced when the temperature drops below 5°C. If it reaches –10°C, the electrolytes freeze and the battery is disabled temporarily. Lithium batteries can work at full capacity down to -20°C. There will be a slight reduction when the temperature hits -30°C.
Panel flexibility: fixed vs. flexible
Because the solar panel is mounted onto the lighting fixture, all-in-one systems are not very flexible when it comes to directional angle.
In traditional solar street lights, the solar panel can be adjusted to the best angle where it is able to absorb maximum sunshine. When the panel doesn’t get enough sunlight, it will work shorter hours at night.
Panel size: bigger means more power
The size of the solar panel in all-in-one street lights is limited to the size of the light fixture where it is mounted on.
In traditional split-type solar street lighting systems, yous can choose between different sizes of solar panels.
Installation: split vs. integrated
Installing a traditional solar street lamp requires digging pits for the cage and battery. Each component is then installed one by one – solar panels, lighting lamp, and all the necessary kits. Finally, everything is wired together for the whole system to work.
Installing an all-in-one solar street lamp takes only three simple steps:
- dig the cage
- fix the lighting box with screws
- mount the pole
The kit includes a solar panel, battery, smart sensor, LED lamp, and device controller. All of these are easy to install on new or old poles, or even on walls.
In this case traditional solar street lighting systems cost about 40% to 60% more than all-in-one integrated solar street lights.
Why you should choose an all-in-one solar street lights
All-in-one solar street lights automatically switch off during the day for recharging and gradually turn back on when night falls.
The built-in infrared sensor has a working distance of 7 to 10 meters. When it detects motion, the lamp will automatically adjust its brightness.
All-in-one solar street lights are likewise great for illuminating entrances, perimeters, pathways, car parks, playgrounds, courtyards, and even remote areas where wiring is not possible.
If you plan to purchase solar-powered street lights, choose a supplier with all-in-one systems that are rustproof, waterproof, shockproof, and maintenance-free.