How does solar street lighting work? Guide and tips

Infographic: How does solar street lighting work?

Solar street lighting works with a solar panel, a battery, an LED lamp and a controller. During the day, the solar panel converts sunlight into electricity and charges the battery. When it gets dark, a dusk sensor switches on the LED lamp, which runs on the stored energy. No power cable is needed.

Solar street light with a solar panel against a blue sky — The solar panel charges the battery during the day.

The components

Solar panel: converts sunlight into electricity.
Battery: stores the energy, usually a lithium battery (LiFePO4).
Controller: protects the battery and controls the lamp.
LED lamp: energy-efficient, so the battery lasts all night.
Sensors: a dusk sensor and often a motion sensor.

Benefits

no digging and no cables needed,
no electricity costs,
quick to install in remote locations,
also works during a power cut.

What to look out for

Feature	What to look for
Positioning	solar panel facing south as far as possible, without shade
Battery capacity	determines how many nights the lamp runs without sun
Motion sensor	dims the lamp when nobody is around, saving the battery
IP rating	at least IP65 for outdoor use

Does solar also work in winter?

Yes, but in a UK and northern European winter there is less sun and the nights are longer. The burning time may then be shorter. A larger solar panel, a larger battery and a motion sensor help to ensure enough light in winter too.

Take a look at our solar outdoor lighting, solar site lights and LED street lighting.