Solar Powered Street Lights Economic Advantages
- Low Operating Costs: Solar street lights operate independently of the grid, reducing electricity expenses. For instance, in a lighting project in the Economic Development Zone of Kunming, a set of 60W solar panel with 200W colloidal lead-acid battery (160Ah) LED solar street light has a single unit purchase price of 3451.33 CNY. In contrast, a single-pole high-pressure sodium lamp priced at 2000 CNY incurs higher actual construction costs due to the need for cable trenches and power distribution infrastructure. Thus, the actual construction cost of solar LED street lights is now lower than that of traditional street lights, saving substantial funds each year.
- Low Maintenance Costs: The maintenance costs of solar street lights are significantly lower than traditional street lights. For example, the LED fixtures of solar street lights can last over 15 years, while traditional high-pressure sodium lamps only last about 10,000 hours (approximately 1.14 years). This means solar street lights require almost no fixture replacements over 20 years, greatly reducing maintenance expenses.
- Higher ROI: California, USA Case:
- Initial Investment Cost: Solar Street Lights: $120,000; Traditional Street Lights: $80,000
- Installation Cost: Solar Street Lights: $20,000; Traditional Street Lights: $40,000
- 10 Year Maintenance Cost: Solar Street Lights: $80,000; Traditional Street Lights: $100,000
- 10 Year Electricity Cost: Solar Street Lights: $0; Traditional Street Lights: $54,750
- 10 Year Total Cost: Solar Street Lights: $220,000; Traditional Street Lights: $274,750
- Investment Return Rate: 288.43%
- Dynamic Payback Period: 13.15 years
Read More：Cost Comparison between Solar Street Lights and Traditional Street Lights, A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Street Light Costs and ROI
Solar Street Lights Environmental Advantages
- Zero Emissions: Solar street lights use clean energy, producing no pollutants such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. For example, a photovoltaic complementary solar street light on Yangtiangang Avenue can save 12,762 kWh of municipal electricity consumption per day, totaling 465,813 kWh annually. This translates to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 73,785 kg, sulfur dioxide by 3,354 kg, particulate matter by 2,515 kg, and ash by 43,600 kg annually.
- Recyclability: All components of solar street lights (such as solar panels, LED fixtures, controllers, etc.) are recyclable, reducing the impact of waste on the environment.
Solar Street Lights Safety Advantages
- Low Voltage: Solar street lights typically use a safe voltage of 12V or 24V, which is harmless to humans. For example, a solar street light system used in Wuhan operates at a 24V DC voltage, within a safe range, eliminating the need for electrical protective grounding, thereby enhancing safety.
- Reduced Accident Risks: With no need for external wiring, the risk of electric shock due to damaged or aged wires is reduced. Traditional street lights require the installation of electrical conduits, whereas solar street lights do not, thereby minimizing potential accident risks.
Solar Street Lights Technical Advantages
- High Efficiency: Solar street lights use efficient LED fixtures, which have high luminous efficacy and low heat generation. For example, a 20W LED energy-saving lamp can meet daily lighting needs for 12 hours and can restore to full charge within 7 days after prolonged rainy weather.
- Automated Control: The switching of solar street lights is fully automated, allowing the system to turn on and off based on light intensity. For example, photovoltaic complementary solar street lights can reduce light output power during times of low pedestrian traffic at night, conserving energy.
Solar Street Lights Installation Advantages
- Easy Installation: Solar street lights do not require wiring, simplifying the construction process. For instance, a solar street light system can be installed in needed locations without trenching for wiring, greatly reducing installation time and costs.
- Strong Adaptability: Solar street lights can be designed to accommodate different geographical and climatic conditions. For example, the design of solar street lights for mining roads determines the angle of the solar panels to be 39°, 5° westward, based on local latitude and longitude to maximize solar energy utilization.
Solar Street Lights Reliability Advantages
- Redundant Design: The reliability of solar street lights can be enhanced by increasing the number of solar panels. For example, the solar street lights used in Wuhan utilize a combination of 80W crystalline silicon solar cells and 20W amorphous silicon solar cells to shorten the recovery time after battery undervoltage and extend the battery’s lifespan.
- Photovoltaic Complementarity: Photovoltaic complementary solar street lights can switch to grid power in cases of insufficient sunlight, ensuring continuous illumination. For example, these systems can still meet normal lighting needs for up to 7 days even after 5 consecutive days of rain.
Solar Street Lights Social Advantages
- Enhancing Urban Image: Solar street lights not only provide lighting but can also serve as a part of the urban landscape, enhancing the city’s overall image. For instance, solar street lights are designed with aesthetics in mind, available in various styles and colors suitable for squares, courtyards, villas, parks, gardens, roads, and many other places.
- Promoting Green Lighting Projects: The application of solar street lights helps in the development of “green lighting projects,” contributing to the sustainable development of cities. For example, using solar street lights can save substantial electricity costs each year, illuminating cities while fostering environmentally friendly urban growth.
These specific calculations and examples demonstrate the significant advantages of solar street lights in terms of economy, environmental protection, safety, technology, installation, and reliability.
