When investing in solar street lights, it’s crucial to consider several factors beyond just the advertised specifications. Here’s a breakdown of common mistakes and pain points you should avoid to ensure you’re getting quality, cost-effective solar lighting solutions.
1. Don’t Get Fooled by Specifications Alone
When purchasing a solar street light, it’s essential to go beyond the advertised specifications. For instance, a supplier may advertise a battery with a 120Ah capacity, but the actual product may only have 20Ah. Even when the capacity appears the same, the available capacity varies with the battery quality. For example, some suppliers may label a product as 50W, while others may claim 600W for the same model.
2. Cheap & Low-Quality Solar Lights = Waste of Money
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, low-cost solar lights often don’t provide the best value in the long run. Consider the lifespan and performance:
- A high-quality $350 solar light with a 10-year lifespan costs about $35 per year.
- A poor-quality $100 solar light with a 1-year lifespan costs $100 per year. Additionally, constant failures incur more time, effort, and money.
3. Consider Your Local Temperature and Latitude
The environmental temperature affects battery performance. For example, LiFePO4 lithium batteries can tolerate temperatures up to 65°C, while ternary li-ion batteries can only withstand up to 50°C. Solar panels can reach up to 90°C in summer.
For regions with high temperatures, such as:
- Africa: Algeria, South Africa, Angola, Nigeria
- Middle East: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar
- Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Philippines
- South America: Chile, Mexico
LiFePO4 batteries are recommended due to their high thermal stability. Also, ensure that the heat dissipation system of the lamp is efficient and that solar panels are not in direct contact with batteries.
If you are located at a latitude greater than 15°, opt for solar street lights with adjustable panel angles to ensure maximum sun exposure.
4. Poor Heat Dissipation = Shorter Lifespan
LED lifespan decreases by multiple factors for every 10°C increase in temperature. Good heat dissipation is essential for preserving the life and quality of LED lights. Poor heat management is often hidden until problems occur over time.
High temperatures can significantly reduce the lifespan of lithium batteries. Research indicates that every 10°C increase reduces the battery’s cycle life by up to 50%. Proper heat dissipation is vital to avoid long-term damage.
The heat from solar panels can increase the internal temperature to 70°C, which damages both the battery and LED. Consider foldable or well-ventilated solar street light designs for better heat management.
5. Four Types of Lithium Batteries
Here’s a comparison of various lithium batteries commonly used in solar lights:
| Battery Type | Cycle Life | Lifespan | Temperature Resistance | Available Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A LiFePO4 | 2000-4000 cycles | 8-15 years | High | 99% |
| Class B LiFePO4 | 1000 cycles | 5-6 years | High | 99% |
| Class C Ternary Li-ion | 800 cycles | 3-4 years | Low (prone to fire) | 70% |
| Class D Recycle Li-ion/LiFePO4 | 300 cycles | 0-1 year | Very low | 50% |
For better longevity and safety, choose Class A LiFePO4 batteries, which offer higher capacity and thermal stability.
5.1 Understanding Battery Capacity and Efficiency
Don’t just look at the Ah (Amp hour) rating of a battery. The Wh (Watt hour) value, calculated as Wh = Ah × V, tells you the real available energy.
| Battery Type | Actual Capacity (Wh) |
|---|---|
| 80Ah, 3.2V LiFePO4 | 256Wh |
| 40Ah, 12.8V LiFePO4 | 512Wh |
Tip: Always check both Ah and V values to evaluate the true capacity.
6. Solar Panel Quality & Conversion Efficiency
Solar panel quality is determined not only by size but also by conversion efficiency. Monocrystalline solar panels have higher efficiency (15%-24%) compared to polycrystalline panels (12%).
| Solar Panel Type | Conversion Efficiency | Lifespan | Decay Rate After 10 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | >21% | 25 years | 10% |
| Polycrystalline | 16%-17% | 15 years | 80% |
Monocrystalline panels are more durable and efficient in energy conversion, making them a better choice for solar street lights.
7. Choosing the Right Sensor for Your Solar Lights
There are two main types of sensors in solar street lights: microwave and infrared.
- Microwave Sensor: Sensing distance of 8-15 meters, detects both people and vehicles.
- Infrared Sensor: Sensing distance of 5-8 meters, detects only people.
Microwave sensors are more versatile, as they can sense both people and vehicles, making them ideal for streets and busy areas.
8. LED Light Source Quality Matters
LED light intensity is not just about the wattage; it’s also about efficiency. A smaller light-emitting area with the same lumens can appear brighter, but it’s crucial to assess the light effect. Higher-quality LEDs with a high lm/w rating will provide better illumination over time.
| LED Chip | Lumens & Led Qty | Light Decay After 5 Years |
|---|---|---|
| 210 lm/w | 100 leds can achieve 21,000lm | 10% |
| 110 lm/w | need at least 190 leds to achieve the same 21,000 lm, generate more heat to the light and decrease the lifespan. | 80% |
High lm/w & famous brand LEDs like the 210 lm/w Bridgelux LED provide better brightness and energy efficiency over the long term.
9. Avoid Black Lamp Housings for Outdoor Installations
While black lamp casings may look sleek indoors or in photos, they absorb more heat when exposed to sunlight, leading to higher temperatures that can damage the battery and LED lights. Opt for silver-colored casings, which are more heat-reflective and better suited for outdoor environments.
10. Skip the Automatic Wiper Cleaning
The automatic windshield wiper cleaning function is impractical and adds unnecessary costs. If the motor malfunctions, it can block sunlight absorption, reducing the system’s efficiency.
11. Poor Effect of Solar Tower Pole Street Lights
Solar tower pole lights, where solar panels are mounted on poles, offer limited sunlight absorption. These systems capture only 1/5th of the energy that regular solar panels can absorb.
| Solar Light Type | Energy Absorption |
|---|---|
| Solar Pole Light | 1/5 of regular panels |
| Traditional Panels | Full energy absorption |
12. Solar & Wind Energy Hybrid Lights Are Overrated
While solar and wind energy both generate power, they require different systems for conversion. Attempting to combine them in a single street light setup is inefficient and can harm the battery. Wind energy in hybrid systems is often just for show, as only the solar component works. It is more pratical to have solar only or solar & hydrid system.
This guide covers essential points to help you make informed decisions when purchasing solar street lights. Prioritize quality, energy efficiency, and proper design for long-term value and performance. Simply contact us via sales@xylightingled.com to get the right solar street light you need.
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