The world today is facing an energy crisis more pressing than what existed in the previous years. People and the current energy system rely mostly on fossil fuels which are nonrenewable and swiftly depleting. Once the fossil fuels get burned, they also emit greenhouse gases to the environment which are climate-changing. To cut it short, the earth is rapidly running out of gas, oil, and coal reserves. A necessary shift to the usage of renewable energy must further be developed, accomplished, and promoted.
Source: Elle Decor
One of the things being considered by engineers at present is the unified implementation of a solar-powered street lighting system. In fact, other parts of the world generate a profuse percentage of their total electricity consumption from solar power, like Dubai and the United Kingdom. In order to successfully shift from one system to another, awareness must be raised and the government and its people must be educated.
What are Solar Street Lights?
Solar street lights are an upheaved source of light or lamp posts powered by PV panels (or photovoltaic panels) which have built-in batteries, smart sensors, and LED lights. All of these are fused into one compact unit–a solar street light. The solar-powered lighting system is highly recommended in illuminating the streets, parks, and public spaces. Its application is actually well-suited both for domestic and commercial use.
To help you understand better, here are some of the numerous benefits of a solar-powered street lighting system.
Solar Street Lights Operate at Minimal Costs.
Solar street lights take their power from the heat energy of the sun during the day. They store as much as they can while the sun is up. These street lights are wireless, not connected to any electricity provider. Because they are not dependent on the utility grid, the operational costs are minimal.
Compared to Conventional Street Lights, Solar Street Lights Require almost Zero Maintenance.
Standard street lights require regular inspection, preventive maintenance, and adjustments. Minor servicing is also needed in order to keep the street lights in a good working condition. There is a sense of urgency in terms of response repairs to remedy any damage or problems. Upgrades, replacements, or modifications are necessary from time to time as well.
Meanwhile, the photovoltaic cells present in solar panels are examples of light sensors. As said earlier, since the electricity is generated from the sun, solar street lights do not use electricity supplied all throughout the municipality. In other words, the maintenance needed to use energy from the electricity providers is no longer needed for solar lights. Solar lights have a longer life span than ordinary lights. They will be functional even without regular inspection and frequent alterations.
Solar Street Lights Do not Stimulate Certain Dangers.
Live electricity cables and open wires always pose a threat of accidents to people. As a matter of fact, electricity, in general, is hazardous when not handled properly. Street lights can trigger danger if not maintained well—electrocution, overheating, and strangulation. These are the three primary hazards of electricity: 1) direct contact with open wires that cause burns and shock; 2) faults that start fires; and 3) explosions ignited by electricity in potentially flammable locations.
In relation to that, solar street lights are wireless. Getting near them or being in contact would not harm anybody or put them in a high risk of danger.
Solar Street Lights are Insusceptible to Power Cuts.
The off-the-grid nature of solar street lights spares themselves from sharing the same power outages that the mundane street lights experience whenever there’s an electricity snag or problem. This is also the main reason why solar power and LED lighting make an impeccable combination.
The Solar Street Lighting System is Environment-Friendly.
Residential houses and commercial buildings are getting smarter every day. By that, I mean they rapidly shift into smart homes and smart offices. Why? Everything is powered and digital. Companies are slowly transitioning into a paperless system, opting for e-mails and soft-copy documents. They use smart televisions for presentations and meetings.
Business structures largely depend on electricity to power their devices. Hence, the growing number of produced carbon footprint. Solar energy has zero emissions while being able to generate power. Annually, the carbon footprint of a house or structure can be lowered by over 3,000 pounds on average for a kilowatt of solar energy system. It reduces global warming.
Solar Street Lights are a Better Investment.
Adding up the capital and the operation and maintenance cost, your money will get its best value with solar street lights over any other conventional street lights. Again, they do not necessitate regular inspection and frequent maintenance.
Though it can be a bit of fancy in the beginning, in the long run, you will realize it is more beneficial both to the environment and to the people. Thus, the system is a better investment. Consider looking for an all-in-1 solar street light manufacturer and learn how this green lighting system works.
Conclusion
Some notions make people choose between the economy and the environment. The truth is, we don’t have to choose. We only have to know which should come first in our priority. Definitely, it is taking care of the environment, preserving nature. When the landscape and wildlife are well-sustained, taken care of, and prioritized, the economy is sure to prosper.