Streetlights are a fundamental part of urban infrastructure. Unfortunately, traditional illumination relies on the grid, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and ongoing energy costs.
Solar technology can fix this situation with all-in-one and split-type solar streetlight illumination. However, choosing the proper solar or hybrid street illumination can take time and effort. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the key differences between solar street light types so you can determine which suits your situation.
All-in-One Solar Street Lights
These lights combine the solar panel, battery, LED light fixture, and controller into a single unit. In its basic configuration, the pole all-in-one solar street light has a single pole with solar panels, LED lamps, and a special mounting bracket. With this illumination, you don’t need to dig trenches for wiring. Solar streetlights are wireless, which fits many communities.
➥ An all-in-one solar street light device is powered by the Sun, so it doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions.
The light output of a solar panel street light is measured in lumens. Higher-lumen output lights provide more illumination but will also use more energy. If you want a brighter streetlight, look for devices with larger batteries.
The all-in-one solar street light price varies depending on its light output. Brighter devices need larger batteries, so they need to store and produce more energy than low-power systems.
- A single low-power light for pathways or small areas costs $50 to $150.
- All-in-one solar street light price list for medium-powered systems usually ranges from $150 to $400.
- High-power units cost starts from $300.
The price for the all-in-one solar panel LED street light unit is higher than that of traditional street lights. However, they have very low operating costs. With no requirement for charging or grid connections, once installed, these solar streetlights operate seamlessly for years, alleviating any concerns.
LED Solar Street Lights
This street solar light combines the efficiency of LED illumination with the sustainability of solar power, offering numerous benefits over traditional lighting methods.
How does it work?
➥ Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) provide energy-efficient illumination, lasting much longer than traditional bulbs while consuming less power for comparable brightness. Solar panels on the all-in-one solar street light capture sunlight and convert it into electricity stored in batteries to power the LED lights at night.
The LED solar street light is essentially an all-in-one solar street light, but there’s a subtle distinction between the two terms.
| LED solar streetlight is a broader term since it describes the streetlight’s light source (LED) and power source (solar). Usually, it doesn’t specify the specific configuration. | An all-in-one solar street lamp refers to a specific design in which all the components are integrated into a single, compact unit. |
Split Solar Street Lights
They offer an alternative design approach to еру all-in-one solar LED street light. You need to manually assemble this system from the separate separate components.
- Standalone solar panels capture sunlight and convert it to electricity.
- LED lamps act as separate light fixtures containing powerful LEDs for illumination.
- The battery box houses the battery and stores solar energy for nighttime operation.
- The controller manages the charging and discharging cycles of the battery, optimizing system performance.
- The light Pole supports the entire system, typically requiring separate installation.
You can customize the system to create the best solar street light for your case. The split systems are easy to scale, as you can add batteries, street lights, and panels when needed. You can also replace individual components to make your solar LED street light brighter or more powerful.
However, these systems have some downfalls.
- The split solar street light installation process is more complex since it demands more planning than all-in-one designs.
- In split systems, each component must be purchased and installed separately. So, the overall all-in-one solar LED street light price, even for a low-power option, can increase by 30-40%, starting from at least $60-70.
- Stealing a solar street light all-in-one unit is almost impossible since it’s securely mounted, but separate components are more susceptible to theft. Thieves can cut off LED lights or batteries from split illumination systems.
All-in-Two Solar Street Lights
They occupy a middle ground between a split and all-in-one solar street light, offering a blend of features. This design also addresses many of its limitations.
The all-in-two solar street light system combines key components into a single unit, similar to all-in-one lights. But, in this case, a solar panel remains separate from the main light fixture. Usually, it’s mounted on a pole or some nearby structure, maximizing sun exposure and potentially offering adjustability for optimal energy capture. Due to this potential high personalization, many call it a customized all-in-one integrated solar street light.
Check out the benefits of all-in-two solar street lights:
- Compared to the split solar street light, the integrated unit simplifies installation as only two components are needed.
- With an all-in-two solar street light, you’ll get easier access to the battery and controller, which is generally easier than completely separate components in split-type systems.
- You have more protection against theft, as both components are relatively heavy and can be appropriately mounted.
However, all-in-two systems still have some shortcomings.
- These units are less scalable than fully separate flexible systems. You can’t just change the component only because you want it.
- The all-in-two solar street light installation cost is more expensive than the all-in-one option. However, it is still cheaper than split systems, where experts connect many devices into a coherent unit.
Pole-Mounted Solar Street Lights
These solar street lights perfectly fit general outdoor lighting applications, including streets, parking lots, parks, pedestrian walkways, and security lighting for buildings or perimeters.
These units consist of a light fixture with an integrated solar panel or separate components (all-in-one or split type) mounted on a dedicated pole. Their key feature is the specific mounting style with the light fixture on a dedicated pole. As of today, this is the most common way to install solar streetlights.
Previous classifications, including solar LED street light, all-in-one, all-in-two, and split systems, describe the internal configuration of the solar street light itself, independent of how it’s mounted. They refer to how the system pre-arranges its components – solar panel, battery, LED light fixture, and controller.
While choosing where and how to install solar street lights, look closely at pole specifications and potential shadow obstructions. Ensure the pole is sturdy and tall enough to catch the Sun and distribute the best possible light. Shadows from nearby trees or buildings can decrease solar panel efficiency, so ensure careful placement and optimal sunlight exposure.
Light Up Your World With Sustainable Power
Solar streetlights offer a robust and eco-friendly solution for illuminating outdoor areas. There are multiple configurations, so you can easily find which suits you better.
We recommend using the help of a split-type solar street light and an all-in-one solar street light supplier, like SolarCC. It will save you days or even weeks of highly valuable time. Contact us and provide details of your situation, including what you need to light (e.g., a huge parking lot, backyard, or street), the desirable brightness, and your budget. We will pick up the best all-in-one solar street light for you. Our certified installers also set up and launch this system on your property.
Looking for the best solar street lights in Chicago, IL? Fill out this form to get your solar quote today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes all-in-one solar streetlights from other types?
All-in-one designs integrate the solar panel, battery, LED light fixture, and controller into a single unit. It makes them incredibly easy to install, requiring minimal setup compared to split-type systems with separate components. They are also cheaper than split systems. However, you can’t scale the unit and make it more or less powerful if needed.
How do split-type solar streetlights differ from integrated models?
In split-type systems, all components are individual, so you need a professional to assemble them into a single unit, whereas integrated models come pre-combined in a compact form. Split systems are scalable, while all-in-one units are limited to their pre-configured design.
Who installs a solar street light?
Depending on the complexity of the system and your preferences, installing solar streetlights can be handled by a few different parties. These can be certified solar installers or licensed electricians. We don’t recommend installing solar streetlights alone, as it revokes the warranty.
Where can I find the solar street light installation guide?
Most solar streetlights require professional installation to receive warranty coverage. However, if you still want to install the illumination independently, check the manufacturer’s website. They usually provide in-depth installation guides for their specific products on their websites.
How to install a solar street light?
It depends on the model. Usually, you can find the instructions in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s website. However, we recommend that you use the help of certified installation teams.
