5 Things You Need To Know About Solar Flood Lights And Street Lamps
Aug 31, 2023| The solar flood lights and street lamps refer to lighting systems that utilize solar energy to generate electricity for illumination. These systems typically consist of solar panels,batteries, and LED lights, along with a charge controller. Solar lights are commonly used in various applications,such as street lighting, garden lighting,and outdoor area lighting.
Here is 5 things you need to know about solar lights:
1, Solar light types:
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There are 2 types of solar flood lights,all-in- one and split types. All-in-one type solar flood lights also called “Integrated solar flood lights”, which is a combination of solar panel, lithium battery, LED light sources and smart controller, PIR or Motion sensor, etc. Easy to transport and assembly for end users; Split-type solar flood light is divided into complete split and all-in-two types. Complete split means that each parts are seperately, this type usually uses the lead-acid battery which with big size. All in two type means that Lithium battery and controller is build-in the LED flood lamp body, the solar panels are isolated.
2, Solar panels:
Solar panels are divided into Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline.
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The four corners of the Monocrystalline panel show a circular arc, and there is no pattern on the surface,the photoelectric conversion efficiency of monocrystalline silicon solar panels is between 17 and 24 percent, with an average of 18 percent. This kind of solar cell has the greatest photoelectric conversion efficiency of all sorts and a lifespan of up to 25 years. However, manufacturing costs are more than Polycrystalline.
The four corners of the polycrystalline panel show a square angle, and the surface has a pattern. The manufacturing method of polycrystalline silicon solar panels is same as monocrystalline silicon solar panels, however the photoelectric conversion efficiency of polycrystalline silicon solar panels is lower than monocrystalline silicon solar panels, it is around 16%. But it is cheaper than the monocrystalline silicon solar panels. The area of a polycrystalline board with the same power is slightly larger than that of a monocrystalline board. For example, a 50W polycrystalline board will be 1.1 times larger than that of a monocrystalline board. The polycrystalline plate receives light in multiple directions and has good direction. In the actual test, if one hand is used to block the solar light to leave a shadow on the solar power panel, then the current decreases of the polycrystalline solar panel is not obvious, but the monocrystalline solar panel is obvious, which is the advantage of the polycrystalline plate. And its price is relatively low.
3, Batteries:
There are 2 kinds of batteries using for solar flood lights, Lead-acid Battery and Lithium Battery.
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Valve regulated lead-acid batteries include absorbed glass mat lead-acid batteries (AGM) and colloidal lead-acid batteries (Gel). They are mainly used in split-type solar street lamp systems and are usually buried underground. They are bigger and cheaper, but they use fewer cycles than lithium-ion batteries. Most lead-acid batteries are 12V or 24V systems. Also lead-acid battery has about 75% discharge depth, and need to charge when the discharge is about 25% left. Thus, to avoid discharging 100% is very important in the process of using .
Majority of lithium batteries used in solar street lighting systems are ternary lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries ( LiFePo4). Lithium batteries are more costly and have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. Ternary lithium batteries provide superior cold resistance compared to lithium iron phosphate batteries. The high-temperature resistance of lithium iron phosphate batteries is better than that of ternary lithium batteries. Therefore, solar flood light systems in high-temperature regions often use lithium iron phosphate batteries. And ternary lithium batteries is cheaper about 25% than lithium iron phosphate batteries. Available Lithium battery voltages for the solar street light system include 3.2V, 6.4V, 12.8V, and 25.6V.
4, Controllers:
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) are two types of solar charge controllers used in solar power systems. They are responsible for regulating the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to the batteries, ensuring that the batteries are efficiently charged and their lifespan is protected.
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The main differences between PWM and MPPT controllers are:
1). Efficiency. MPPT controllers are more efficient than PWM controllers.MPPT controllers can extract up to 98% of the available power from solar panels, while PWM controllers are limited to around 80% efficiency. This makes MPPT controllers a better choice for larger solar systems or systems with limited space for solar panels.
2). Cost: PWM controllers are generally less expensive than MPPT controllers due to their simpler technology. However, the higher efficiency of MPPT controllers can make them a more cost- effective option in the long run, especially for larger solar systems.
3). Functionality: MPPT controllers have more advanced technology that allows them to track the maximum power point of the solar panels,which changes with varying sunlight and temperature conditions. This enables the MPPT controllers to optimize the power output and improve the overall efficiency of the solar system. PWM controllers, on the other hand, simply regulate the voltage and current to the batteries without tracking the maximum power point.
4). Flexibility: MPPT controllers can handle a wider range of solar panel configurations and voltages, making them more versatile for different solar system setups. PWM controllers have more limitations in terms of the solar panel voltage and configuration they can handle.
In summary, PWM controllers are a more affordable and simple option, suitable for smaller solar systems, while MPPT controllers offer higher efficiency and flexibility, making them a better choice for larger or more complex solar systems.
5, LED Light sources:
Choosing the right light sources for solar lighting can be an important decision that can impact the overall performance and efficiency of the lighting system. Here area few things to consider when selecting light sources for solar lighting:
1). Brightness: The brightness of the light source is an important consideration. You'll want to choose a light source that is bright enough like 170lm -210lm/w to provide adequate lighting, but not SO bright that it uses too much power and drains the battery quickly.
2). Energy efficiency: Solar lighting relies on energy from the sun to power the lights, so it's important to choose light sources that are energy- efficient and don't require too much power. LED lights are a great choice for solar lighting because they are highly efficient and use less power than other types of lighting.
3). Lifespan: The lifespan of the light source is also important. You'll want to choose a light source that is durable and long-lasting, so you don't have to replace it frequently.
4). Color temperature: The color temperature of the light source can also impact the overall look and feel of the lighting. You'll want to choose a color temperature that is appropriate for the environment and the intended use of the lighting.
Overall, selecting the right light sources for solar lighting requires careful consideration of a number of factors,including brightness, energy efficiency,lifespan, and color temperature. It will be a good idea to consult with a professional or supplier to determine the best light sources for your specific needs.
