Educational 26 January 2024
In this analysis, we’ll reveal why traditional solar lights outshine solar poles in terms of performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
As sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions gain traction, solar lighting emerges as an essential component in modern urban planning. Innovative systems that use renewable energy offer a viable alternative to traditional lighting, significantly reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.
As technology evolves, new products like integrated solar poles emerge, promising better aesthetic integration into the landscape. However, do they truly measure up to conventional solar lights?
In this analysis, we’ll reveal why traditional solar lights outshine solar poles in terms of performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Vertical solar poles, an innovative approach to solar lighting, seamlessly integrate solar panels into the pole itself. This modern design provides a sleek appearance resembling a conventional AC light while offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional lighting solutions. Due to their unique design, they also offer less resistance to the wind, which can lead to reduced pole costs in certain areas.
However, several drawbacks limit their effectiveness and reliability compared to traditional solar lights.
1. Higher system cost: Due to their design, solar poles utilize more expensive and less widely available components compared to traditional solar lights. The increased upfront investment may discourage some customers.
2. Limited applications: The unique design of solar poles may constrain their suitability for specific installations, particularly those near buildings or where a fence obstructs direct sunlight from reaching the panels.
3. Reduced efficiency due to panel angle: The panels being positioned at a 90° angle results in decreased efficiency since less than half of the solar panel surface faces the sun at any point of the day. It leads to suboptimal energy generation and potentially requires supplemental power sources or additional poles to achieve desired light levels.
4. Increased vulnerability to damage and theft: With solar panels positioned closer to the ground and batteries housed within the pole, customers may face higher maintenance and replacement costs due to the increased risk of damage or theft.
5. Proprietary battery technology: Customers using solar poles may encounter difficulties sourcing replacement batteries or face higher costs due to the specialized, proprietary technology employed, leading to extended downtimes and additional expenses when battery replacements are required.
6. Complete assembly replacement: When the solar panel reaches its end of life, customers must replace the entire assembly, including the pole. This results in higher long-term costs compared to systems where individual components can be replaced separately.
7. Limited options for meeting light level targets: Due to the inefficient angle of solar poles, it is not possible to meet IES light level standards for most applications. Dimming and motion sensing is almost required, so dusk-dawn runtime is difficult to meet. This limits the range of installations where solar poles are suitable. Also, this design is typically restricted to deployments in southern regions with higher solar insolation.
Traditional solar lighting systems, including all-in-one or assembled configurations, feature the solar panel and battery cabinet mounted at the top of the pole. This well-established approach has been a staple in the solar lighting industry, providing reliable and effective illumination across various applications.
1. Proven performance: Traditional solar lighting systems boast a track record of consistent and reliable illumination, giving customers confidence in their ability to meet lighting needs effectively across numerous applications. Rigid solar panels used in conventional systems have proven their durability over time, withstanding various weather conditions and delivering consistent performance. In contrast, flexible solar panels have faced previous challenges, leading to the failure of some companies trying to bring this technology to market.
2. Enhanced security: Mounting solar components on top of poles makes them difficult for thieves to steal or damage, reducing vandalism risk and providing customers with added peace of mind.
3. Affordability: Traditional solar lighting systems often come with a lower price tag than solar poles, making them an attractive option for customers with budget constraints or seeking more cost-effective solutions.
4. Highest light output/autonomy ratio: The ability to adjust component sizing for each location ensures the optimal light output and autonomy ratio for every project, resulting in tailored solutions that meet customers’ specific requirements.
5. Tiltable solar panels: The adjustable angle on the solar panel maximizes solar intake for each location, improving the system’s overall efficiency and ensuring that customers achieve the best possible performance from their investment.
6. Good retrofit option: All-in-one traditional solar lighting systems provide an excellent solution for upgrading old, malfunctioning lights with outdated wiring infrastructure. By simply removing the former AC fixture and installing an all-in-one light atop the pole, customers can enjoy an additional decade of cost-free, eco-friendly lighting.
7. Meet the IES standards: Due to larger system size and tilted panels, traditional solar lighting systems can meet IES light level targets for many applications, such as street lighting. With certain modular systems, it is also possible to meet IES standards with year round, dusk-dawn operation, without dimming.
1. Aesthetic concerns: The prominent solar panels and battery cabinets atop the poles can create a more industrial appearance, which may not align with the desired aesthetic for certain installations. However, these systems’ proven performance and reliability often outweigh aesthetic considerations.
2. Increased wind resistance: The higher Effective Projected Area (EPA) due to the positioning of the solar panel at the top of the pole results in greater wind resistance, necessitating more robust poles to support the system.
3. Dust and snow accumulation: In certain areas, dust and snow may accumulate on the panels, reducing their efficiency and potentially requiring more frequent maintenance.
The choice between traditional solar lights and vertical solar-wrapped poles plays a significant role in developing sustainable urban environments. Our analysis highlights that traditional solar lights are a superior choice for most projects due to their proven performance, enhanced security, affordability, and customizable configurations. In contrast, despite their sleek aesthetics, solar poles face challenges in efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, limiting their appeal for broader applications.
The facts speak for themselves: traditional solar lights offer a reliable, time-tested solution that caters to various project requirements while delivering long-term value. Solar poles, while innovative, have yet to prove their worth in terms of reliability and cost savings.
With the environment and project success at stake, we recommend opting for conventional solar lights as the safer, more reliable, and cost-effective choice.
