Solar Integrated Street Light VS Separate Street Light

25 Jan 2023
Solar Integrated Street Light VS Separate Street Light

 

Artificial lights have been coming to our aid and making our lives easier for centuries. Our homes, offices, businesses, and streets have all benefited from this invention. Public places and roads, especially, have benefited from commercial power lighting projects. It is a core of every civilized modern settlement, helping pedestrians and drivers create a safe environment at night. 

 

As with other technologies, street lights have experienced several innovations, such as LED or induction lights. The recent one which is ubiquitous is the solar-powered street lights. Solar street lamps are becoming popular with the rapid development of LED and photovoltaics. 

 

So, many have asked about the difference between an integrated solar street light and separate street light. What are the benefits and disadvantages of integrated solar lamps and separate street lamps? Keep reading this article to find out more.

 

What is the Meaning of a Solar Street Lamp?

 

A solar street light or lamp is a raised light source powered by solar panels mounted on a pole. The solar powered lighting items include LED lamps, photovoltaic solar panels, and rechargeable batteries. 

 

Solar energy is the most economical form of electricity. The main component of solar street lights, photovoltaic solar panels, absorb the sunlight and convert it into energy (Electricity), producing light. 

 

In other words, the solar cells in the panels of solar street lights draw energy directly from the sun first during the day. This energy is then converted into electricity and stored in batteries. Once sunlight begins to fade, the solar LED street lights start to come on, using the energy stored in the batteries.

 

Integrated Solar Powered Street Lights Vs Separate Street Lights

 

Integrated solar lights or integrated solar streets are raised light sources powered by photovoltaic panels mounted on poles. These photovoltaic panels are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, snow, and cycles of heat and cold. 

 

The main source of the solar lighting system is the sun (solar energy) which is absorbed and then converted to power, emitting light in little or no light conditions. Photovoltaic panels have rechargeable batteries (lead acid and lithium batteries). 

 

These rechargeable batteries power the LED lamp or fluorescent at night. In situations with limited sun or constant rainfall, the batteries provide light for the time being. Integrated Solar power street lights are considered the 2nd generation of solar lighting, and the first is split solar street lights.

 

Split type solar streets or split solar street light is a type of light source with separate solar powered lighting items. In other words, the batteries, photovoltaic panels, and LED lights are all designed separately. Separate streetlights are a combination of different capacities that can provide the best result. 

 

For instance, places with constant rain can benefit from split type solar by increasing the battery capacity and solar panel to cover up for the issue of battery box space. In essence, it is considered safer and more reliable.

 

What is the Difference Between Solar Integrated Street Lamps and Separate Street Lamps?

 

The difference between integrated solar street lights and split solar street lights can be found in the battery type, price, project installation costs and process, and maintenance costs.

 

Battery

For example, split type solar streetlights use lead acid batteries in photovoltaic panels. These batteries usually have a low energy density and require high maintenance requirements. However, they have a longer life cycle and low costs compared to other battery types.

 

On the other hand, integrated solar street lamps use lithium batteries which often last longer. Also, they are considered more efficient with clear renewable solar energy, keeping the environment safe.

 

Maintenance

Also, the maintenance costs for split solar streets are high. It involves sending technical workers to solve complicated power facilities. Customers only need to send a whole integrated solar lamp for maintenance for integrated commercial lighting projects.

 

Installation

The process of installing split-type solar streetlights differs from integrated solar street lamps. Notably, the speed of installation affects the project installation costs. For instance, split type solar street lights take longer, while integrated powered street lights are faster and easy to install

 

The whole process for integrated solar lamps involves three steps for installation: digging the cage, fixing the light screws, and erecting the pole. It costs less and saves time! All kits are in one box and can be installed on new or old poles.

 

Price

One would expect that integrated powered solar lamps would be more expensive than split type solar street lamps, but it's not. Split solar street lights are costlier than integrated solar street lights.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Integrated Street Lamp and Separate Street Lamp

 

Undoubtedly, solar led street lights are becoming popular all around the world. The technological combination of photovoltaic and LED lighting is energy-saving and provides substantial economic advantages. So far, solar powered street and solar lighting systems are a major part of every modern society, with both integrated solar street lights and split solar street lights into many streets. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two solar lights? Specifically, why is one solar light preferred to another solar powered street? Keep reading to learn the answers.

 

Advantages of Split Type Solar Lights

 

Separated solar street light

Separated solar street light

 

1.The split solar lamp is a combination of different components with different capacities. In other words, it can provide a more reliable and safe lighting technology performance.

2.The split type solar lights are suitable for outdoor solar led lighting technologies, such as gardens, factories, villages,s and pathways.

3.Split street lights can provide better lighting solutions by increasing the power of solar panels and the capacity of the batteries separately. 

 

Disadvantages of Split Type Solar Lights

 

1.Maintaining split type solar lights takes work. When split street lamps develop faults, manufacturers send repairers to the location. It requires troubleshooting every part, and technical workers must take every tool needed. As such, some companies sometimes refuse to send technical personnel over because of the high cost.

2.Split solar street lights are costlier than integrated solar street lights.

3.Installing split type solar streetlights takes a longer time. Split type solar street lamps involve digging holes for the cage and battery box. After that, technical workers must install solar panels, lighting lamps, and panels and fix all the kits. In addition, they still have to insert wires to make the solar light work.

 

Advantages of Integrated Solar Lights

 

All-in-one solar street light

All-in-one solar street light

 

1. Integrated powered solar lights are easy to install, involving a few technical workers. They are easy to transport from one location to another,  consume less electricity, and don't occupy much space.

2. Integrated Solar lamps are easy to maintain over time. All the kits are combined, and you can replace the parts easily, saving you personnel costs. 

3. Integrated solar street light is economical and energy saving and saves operating costs. Integrated solar lamps use motion sensors that dim brightness when people pass by and return to 100% later. This function helps to save energy.

 

Disadvantages of Integrated Solar Lights

 

1.The power of an integrated solar light is limited. That's because the energy is determined by the panel size, which is usually tightly attached to the top of the light.

2.The initial cost of installing integrated solar lights is high, but the total maintenance cost is relatively low. As such, people get discouraged, thinking the price is too high.

3.The angle of integrated solar street lamps can't be adjusted. Only when it faces direct sunlight can it absorb light and provide substantial storage and power. 

 

Final Thoughts

As solar lights keep developing, they will soon replace conventional street lights and lights powered by traditional grid electricity. Integrated solar street lamps have more advantages than split-type solar street lamps in terms of price, life span, installation, and maintenance costs. 

They are cost-effective, energy-saving, economical, maintenance-free, and durable. Therefore, it is common that more people to choose integrated solar lights.If you need more information, please consult a professional solar street light expert or a company that specializes in selling solar lamps.

Leave a comment