Solar street light
Encyclopedia
Solar street lights are raised light sources which are powered by photovoltaic panels generally mounted on the lighting structure. The photovoltaic panels charge a rechargeable battery, which powers a fluorescent
or LED lamp
during the night.
Latest designs use wireless technology and fuzzy control theory for battery management. The street lights using this technology can operate as a network with each light having the capability of performing on or off the network.
(STR) in August 2008 and April 2009 with assisstance from the Forest Protection Committee
and the STR officials. Each household in the region were provided with a home light connection by the WWF
so that the people feel responsible for the security of the installed solar street lights.
Fluorescent lamp
A fluorescent lamp or fluorescent tube is a gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor. The excited mercury atoms produce short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light. A fluorescent lamp converts electrical power into useful...
or LED lamp
LED lamp
An LED lamp is a solid-state lamp that uses light-emitting diodes as the source of light. The LEDs involved may be conventional semiconductor light-emitting diodes, organic LEDs , or polymer light-emitting diodes devices, although PLED technologies are not currently commercially available.Since...
during the night.
Features
Most solar panels turn on and turn off automatically by sensing outdoor light using a light source. Solar streetlights are designed to work throughout the night. Many can stay lit for more than just one night not if sun in not available for a couple of days. Older models included lamps that were not florescent or LED. Solar lights installed in windy regions are generally equipped with flat panels to better cope with the winds.Latest designs use wireless technology and fuzzy control theory for battery management. The street lights using this technology can operate as a network with each light having the capability of performing on or off the network.
Standalone solar street lights
Standalone solar street lights have photovoltaic panels mounted on the structure. Each street light has its own photovoltaic panels and is independent of the other lamps.Centrally operated solar street lights
In this type, the photovoltaic panels for a group of street lights are mounted separately. All the street lights in a particular group are connected to this central power source.Advantages
- Solar street lights are independent of the utility grid. Hence, the operation costs are minimized.
- Solar street lights require much less maintenance compared to conventional street lights.
- Since external wires are eliminated, risk of accidents is minimized.
Disadvantages
- Initial investment is higher compared to conventional street lights.
- Risk of theft is higher as equipment costs are comparatively higher.
Implementation in the Sunderbans
Solar street lights were installed in the Sundarban Tiger ReserveSundarbans National Park
The Sundarbans National Park [Sundarban Tour Booking-9051115228] is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve located in the Sundarbans delta in the Indian state of West Bengal. This region is densely covered by mangrove forests, and is one of the largest reserves for the Bengal tiger...
(STR) in August 2008 and April 2009 with assisstance from the Forest Protection Committee
Joint Forest Management
Joint Forest Management often abbreviated as JFM is the official and popular term in India for partnerships in forest management involving both the state forest departments and local communities...
and the STR officials. Each household in the region were provided with a home light connection by the WWF
World Wide Fund for Nature
The World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment, formerly named the World Wildlife Fund, which remains its official name in Canada and the United States...
so that the people feel responsible for the security of the installed solar street lights.
See also
- Solar cell phone chargerSolar cell phone chargerSolar cell phone chargers use solar panels to charge cell phone batteries. They are an alternative to conventional electrical cell phone chargers and in some cases can be plugged into an electrical outlet....
- Solar notebookSolar notebookThe solar notebook is a laptop with powerful batteries that are recharged by solar panel attached to the notebook.- Features :Unlike regular laptops, some models of solar notebooks come with a flap-like structure which functions as a solar panel and can be removed if required. This generates...
- Solar powered calculatorSolar powered calculatorSolar powered calculators are hand-held electronic calculators powered by photovoltaic panels mounted on the device. They were introduced at the end of the 1970s.- Features :...
- Solar powered fountainSolar powered fountainA Solar powered fountain is an electrical fountain powered by solar panel. The solar panel either forms a part of the fountain or is kept separate and is connected externally to the fountain.- Features :...
- Solar powered radioSolar powered radioA solar powered radio is a portable radio receiver powered by photovoltaic panels. It is primarily used in remote areas where access to power sources is limited.- History :...
- Solar powered flashlightSolar powered flashlightSolar powered flashlights are flashlights that can be powered through solar energy using solar cells as well as through batteries. Most of these flashlights run on LED lights due to the low energy consumption cost.- Features :...
- Solar fanSolar fanA solar fan is a mechanical fan powered by solar panels. The solar panels are either mounted on the device or are installed independently. Solar fans mostly do not require secondary power sources other than solar power, as most of them are used for cooling purposes during day time. Some types are...