Solar-powered street lights have emerged as the most popular option for sustainable and energy-efficient illumination in the constantly changing field of outdoor lighting. With the rapid development of solar technology, two main types of solar street lights dominate the market: integrated (all-in-one) solar street lights and separated solar street lights.
This article compares integrated solar street lights vs separated solar street lights, examining their components, functions, and ideal applications, while guiding you toward the best option for your project.
Integrated Solar Street Lights
An integrated solar street light, also known as an all-in-one solar street light, combines all of the necessary components into a single compact unit, including the solar panel, LED light source, controller, battery, and motion sensor. This design lowers wiring, simplifies installation, and has a clean, modern appearance.
A typical high-quality all in one solar street light includes:
• High-efficiency solar panel: Captures sunlight and converts it into electrical energy.
• Lithium battery (replaceable): Stores energy for nighttime illumination; ensures stability and longevity.
• MPPT controller: Optimizes charging efficiency (up to 20% higher than traditional controllers).
• LED module: High-lumen output, often reaching up to 1600 lumens with 150lm/W efficiency.
• Radar motion sensor: Detects movement to adjust brightness, conserving energy.
• Remote control system: Enables customization of lighting modes and brightness levels.
Modern integrated lights often feature ultra-thin aluminum housings for superior heat dissipation, IP65 waterproof construction, and optical lenses that ensure uniform light distribution.
Due to their compact structure and easy installation, all in one solar street lights are ideal for:
Some advanced models, such as the all-in-one solar street light with camera, also integrate security and lighting—a perfect choice for modern smart city projects or surveillance-required zones like campuses and business parks.
Integrated lights come as a complete unit—mount them on a pole, and they’re ready. This design significantly reduces labor and installation costs.
With a built-in MPPT solar controller, these lights achieve up to 20% higher charging efficiency.
3. Smart Energy Management
The radar motion sensor allows the light to operate at full brightness when motion is detected (100% for 15 seconds) and at 20% when idle—saving energy and extending battery life.
4. Compact & Aesthetic Design
The sleek, patent-protected aluminum housing fits modern urban landscapes.
5. Low Maintenance
Fewer components and a sealed design minimize the risk of damage and weathering.
6. Durability & Reliability
Real IP65 waterproofing, replaceable lithium batteries, and Japanese optical lenses ensure a long lifespan and uniform illumination.
7. Environmentally Friendly
Fully solar-powered and recyclable, integrated lights contribute to reduced carbon emissions.
The solar panel, battery, and LED lighting are mounted independently, making separated solar street lights different from integrated systems. To get the most sunshine, the solar panel is placed atop the pole or in a strategic spot, and waterproof wires are used to connect the batteries and light bulb.
Typical components include:
High-transmittance PC lens and LED module
Die-cast aluminum housing with stainless steel bolts
Galvanized battery sheet and silicone waterproof ring
Remote controller with multiple lighting modes
Separate large solar panel (often adjustable in direction)
The independent solar panel design allows for greater flexibility in solar absorption, making separated models ideal for regions with variable sunlight angles.
Separated solar street lights are widely used in:
Main Roads, Highways, and Industrial Areas—Designed to deliver powerful illumination over long distances, ensuring safety and visibility for vehicles and workers.
Large-Scale Infrastructure and Government Projects—Ideal for municipal lighting programs requiring long-lasting, high-performance solar systems.
Coastal Regions or Areas with Frequent Shading—Perfect for locations with variable sunlight angles, as the adjustable panel maximizes solar energy absorption.
Remote Regions Requiring Higher Power Lighting—Provides dependable lighting in off-grid areas where stable electricity is unavailable.
1. Flexible Solar Panel Positioning
Since the panel and lamp are independent, installers can orient the panel toward the optimal sunlight direction, ensuring maximum efficiency.
2. High Power Output
Capable of supporting higher wattages, such as 100-watt solar street lights, providing brighter and wider illumination coverage.
3. Longer Backup Time
Larger, external batteries allow more energy storage, ensuring continuous lighting even during long rainy or cloudy days.
4. Superior Heat Dissipation
The separated design prevents battery overheating, extending lifespan and improving reliability.
5. Durable Construction
Features IP65 waterproofing, nano reflector technology, and die-cast aluminum housing, offering superior protection against corrosion and weather conditions.
6. Smart Control System
Includes a remote controller with multiple brightness modes, allowing custom settings such as full brightness for the first 4 hours and smart dimming thereafter.
| Aspect | Integrated Solar Street Light | Separated Solar Street Light |
| Design | All-in-one compact structure | Components installed separately |
| Installation | Quick and simple | Requires more setup and wiring |
| Maintenance | Easier, single unit | Component-specific maintenance |
| Battery Position | Inside the fixture | Mounted separately (often underground or in box) |
| Power Range | Suitable for small to medium lighting needs | Ideal for medium to large-scale lighting projects |
| Efficiency | Optimized for convenience | Optimized for high performance and long runtime |
| Best Use Case | Residential, pathways, small roads | Highways, large streets, industrial zones |
In essence, integrated solar street lights prioritize ease of use and modern aesthetics, while separated solar street lights focus on flexibility, durability, and higher power capacity.
When selecting between integrated and separated solar street lights, consider the following factors:
For residential roads, parking lots, and parks, an all in one solar street light offers ample illumination and sleek appearance.
For highways, city roads, or industrial areas, choose a separated solar street light for stronger, long-duration lighting.
Integrated models are cost-effective and require minimal maintenance.
Separated models may have higher upfront costs but provide longer durability and customizable performance.
Integrated lights work best in stable sunny regions.
Separated lights perform better in cloudy or high-latitude regions where sunlight direction varies.
For projects requiring surveillance or advanced control, consider all in one solar street light with camera—combining lighting, monitoring, and energy efficiency in one device.
Integrated lights: up to medium brightness (~1600lm).
Separated lights: high output options like 100 watt solar street lights for expansive areas.
Integrated models feature modern, slim designs that complement urban or residential spaces.
Separated models offer industrial-grade appearance suited for infrastructure or utility lighting.
For buyers seeking high-quality and affordable lighting solutions, sourcing from a China solar LED street light manufacturer can provide both customization and competitive pricing.
Both integrated (all in one) and separated solar street lights are powerful, eco-friendly solutions revolutionizing outdoor illumination. An all-in-one solar street light, particularly one with motion sensors and a remote control, is the best option if you appreciate style, simplicity, and intelligent energy management. However, if your project demands high brightness, flexible installation, and extended lighting performance, separated solar street lights will deliver superior reliability and scalability.
As solar technology continues to advance, China solar LED street light manufacturers like Yuefeng are leading the way with innovative, high-performance designs that combine intelligent control, durability, and elegant engineering. Yuefeng’s commitment to quality and sustainable lighting ensures that every solution meets the highest international standards for efficiency and reliability.
Q1: What is the main difference between an integrated and separated solar street light?
A: Integrated lights combine all components in one unit for easy installation, while separated lights have individual solar panels, batteries, and fixtures for greater flexibility and higher performance.
Q2: Which is more durable?
A: Both designs are durable when made with IP65 waterproof materials and die-cast aluminum housing. However, separated lights often have better heat dissipation and larger batteries, extending overall lifespan.
Q3: Can I replace the battery in an all in one solar street light?
A: Yes. High-quality integrated models feature replaceable lithium batteries, ensuring long-term maintenance and sustainability.
Q4: Are integrated solar lights suitable for commercial projects?
A: Yes, especially for small to medium projects. For large-scale or high-brightness projects, separated solar street lights may be more suitable.
Q5: What’s the advantage of an all in one solar street light with camera?
A: It integrates lighting and security surveillance in a single system, making it ideal for smart city and remote monitoring applications.
Q6: How long can solar street lights last?
A: Typically 5–10 years, depending on quality. Components like lithium batteries may need replacement every 3–5 years.
