Keys to optimize street lighting with solar luminaire systems

The importance of planning for solar luminaire projects

At a time when we need to look for increasingly sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, solar technology has become a beacon of hope, also for the public lighting sector.

The adoption of solar luminaires represents a step towards reducing the carbon footprint and a drive towards energy independence and long-term efficiency.

The most obvious advantage of solar luminaires lies in their ability to harness an inexhaustible and clean energy source: the sun. This approach not only reduces long-term operating costs, but also ensures a reliable energy supply even in remote areas or areas with limited access to the grid.

However, many solar lighting projects that are implemented around the world do not become success stories and do not achieve the desired goals. This can be due to a number of reasons, including inadequate project design and energy balance, poor product quality, lack of a diagnostic system, lack of maintenance and vandalism. The result is a lost investment in a short time.

What factors should be taken into account when planning a solar luminaire project?

A solar luminaire has three elements: the photovoltaic panel, the battery and the luminaire. However, when talking about solar lighting, it is essential to understand that the luminaire will only have the energy captured by the panel and stored in the batteries, and that there must be a balance between the consumption of the luminaire and the stored energy (Wh).

In order to achieve maximum illumination, it is necessary that the luminaire and the lighting project be as efficient as possible in terms of lm/w.

It will also be necessary to adapt the light levels to different times and needs, so that energy can be saved if the lighting levels can be lowered.

The success of a solar project depends on the following parameters:

- Location and application of the project.

- Panel sizing

- Battery sizing.

- Luminaire consumption strategies.

- Correct interpretation of the information of each of the attributes mentioned and of the studies prior to the execution of the project.

Therefore, the first question we ask ourselves at Salvi Lighting when we receive a solar lighting project is: What are the conditions and needs of the project?

The solar radiation that falls on the panel is a determining factor for correctly sizing the needs according to the geographical location.

In our analysis and planning stage of each solar lighting project, we have tools that provide detailed and accurate information about solar radiation and the performance of photovoltaic systems in a specific location. They also help us to size panels and batteries to plan and develop solar projects.

A well-designed street lighting system improves road safety and contributes to environmental protection by reducing light pollution and energy consumption. The right choice and configuration of the luminaire is essential to achieve optimal energy efficiency and to use material and energy resources in a consistent manner.

S.I.L. solar luminaire with Smartec® smartlighting system

Our S.I.L. luminaire is a self-contained solar luminaire that incorporates all the elements in a single, slim, self-designed geometry. It is highly efficient and durable, providing light for up to ten years with virtually no maintenance.

The S.I.L. luminaire is suitable for the installation of Smartec®, the intelligent remote management software that we have developed at Salvi Lighting Barcelona. This system not only allows remote configuration and management of the public lighting services, but also optimises the performance of the luminaire.

In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential growth in the implementation of solar-powered lighting systems in urban and rural environments around the world. This phenomenon is not only a response to growing environmental awareness, but also to technological advances. However, there are many cases in which solar lighting projects fail due to errors in the sizing of components, the abandonment of installations due to the absence of indicators and the lack of monitoring of the performance of luminaires with intelligent systems.

At Salvi Lighting Barcelona we stress the importance of the whole industry continuing to work to improve the implementation of optimal and long-lasting solar lighting systems. We develop efficient lighting systems and solutions such as Smartec® because we are committed to building a more responsible and sustainable future.