How to Use Photovoltaic Energy for Street Lighting

Using a photovoltaic panel to power lighting is efficient and eco-friendly.

Outdoor solar lamps can be a cost efficient and energy saving option for anyone trying to illuminate a parking lot, driveway, or anything else. They run on clean energy from the sun, making them more eco-friendly than lamps connected to the power grid. After the initial start up costs, they need virtually no maintenance, and in many situations are cheaper to install and maintain than traditional wired outdoor lamps.

Things You'll Need

• Solar array
• High-efficiency direct current lamp
• Charge controller
• Battery
• 10-gauge copper wire
• Post
• Fuses
• Screws
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Screw the lamp to the post according to the specifications of the lamp that you purchase . You should position it near the top to maximize the area that the light will cover.

2. Attach the charge controller to the post as instructed by the manual for the specific charge controller that you purchase. Position it close to the lamp for minimum energy loss through the wire.

3. Connect the lamp to the connecter on the charge controller designated for the lamp using the 10-gauge wire, placing a fuse between the connections on the positive wire.

4. Attach the battery to the post near the charge controller as specified by your specific model's manual.

5. Connect the battery to the connecter of the charge controller designated for the battery with the 10-gauge wire, placing a fuse between the connections on the positive wire.

6. Attach the solar array to the post near the charge controller as is instructed in the manual for the solar array. Position the solar array so that it will face south when the light is standing in its final location. Angle the solar array 30 to 40 degrees towards the sky.

7. Connect the solar array to the connecter of the charge controller designated for the solar array with the 10-gauge wire.

8. Dig a 3 ft. hole for your post using your shovel.

9. Insert the post into the hole and secure it into the ground by refilling the hole with the dirt you dug up.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the battery every 3 years unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

• Consider the amount of sunlight your area receives when purchasing the battery and solar array. Areas with less available sunlight may require you to buy a larger battery or solar array.

References

• "Backwoods Home Magazine": Build a Simple Solar Powered Outdoor Light