CHZ stadium light supply for roadway

China/ShanghaiOn September 14, TÜV SÜD Group granted Shanghai CHZ Lighting Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "CHZ Lighting") TÜV SÜD EU certified LM 79 witness laboratory capability qualification. The granting of this qualification not only proves that CHZ Lighting meets the requirements of the IES LM-79-19 standard in key elements such as test equipment, test environment, quality system and laboratory personnel, but also further deepens the cooperation between the two parties. At the awarding ceremony, Mr. Huo Jianwen, Chairman of CHZ Lighting, Mr. Zhang Lei, Sales Manager of the Electronic and Electrical Department of TÜV SÜD Central Region, and Ms. Lu Jianying, the visa officer, attended the awarding ceremony. They attended and witnessed this important moment together.Huo Jianwen, Chairman of CHZ Lighting, welcomed the visit of the TÜV SÜD team and introduced CHZ Lighting's global layout and development prospects. He said, "The deepening cooperation with TÜV SÜD will be more conducive to CHZ Lighting's improvement of production technology and expansion of brand influence."As an internationally renowned technical service organization, TÜV SÜD has always been committed to promoting the innovation and development of industry technology. This time, CHZ Lighting successfully obtained the LM 79 witness laboratory qualification, which demonstrated its outstanding technical strength as a national high-tech enterprise, and its laboratory carries an important mission in the research and development and innovation of corporate products. Obtaining the witness laboratory qualification requires the company to continuously meet specific quality systems and testing standards, which will help CHZ Lighting to continuously optimize its products and quality control systems, thereby enhancing the company's technical image and reputation. This time, CHZ Lighting Laboratory obtained TÜV SÜD LM79 witness laboratory qualification, which is an affirmation of its professional and technical capabilities, and also provides strong technical support for the company's subsequent development.Mr. Huo Jianwen, Chairman of CHZ Lighting, shared the company's global strategic layout and development prospects. Mr. Huo Jianwen emphasized: CHZ Lighting will further improve its production technology level and continue to promote technological progress and sustainable development in the lighting industry.About CHZ LIGHTINGCHZ LIGHTING was established in 2013 and is a leading manufacturer of LED outdoor lighting products in China. To date, it has a 12,000 square meter plant area and 1.0 million sets of led lights products per year. CHZ LIGHTING is committed to continuously improving its production technology level and expertise. The company has made significant technological innovations in improving the safety and reliability of outdoor lighting products and energy conservation and emission reduction.www.chz-lighting.com

The global market for outdoor lighting is expected to surpass USD 14.44 billion by 2030, and floodlights have played a significant role in this growth. These lights have applications ranging from sports venues to security fences, street lighting, and backyard lighting. Ever since their first use in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, a major sporting event, floodlights have been a staple of sports arenas and venues.The manufacturers of modern floodlighting systems address the initial problems entirely, such as non-focused or overbright lighting. They use LED lighting elements for enhanced spread and power-efficient lighting setup. This article will cover every aspect one needs to know about flood lights, including their purpose, types, and a quick buying guide.PurposeFloodlights illuminate a large indoor or outdoor area. They offer high-intensity ambiance lighting, which improves visibility and security. Most of their applications are in outdoor spaces, including sports fields, parking lots, rooftops, and streets. However, they are equally useful in large indoor spaces like warehouses and industrial setups.Specifications of Flood Light♦ Power and BrightnessThe unit measuring the power of any electrical device is “watts” (W). A watt defines the amount of electrical energy the device consumes per unit of time. Lumens (lm) is a unit representing the brightness of an illuminating device. It defines the perceived power of visible light in an environment lit by a source. These factors are of significant importance when selecting and purchasing a flood light.Generally, more watts mean more light but with a higher electrical consumption. A vast area will require floodlight with more lumens. For example, a sports venue may need up to multiple decades of lumens, whereas a house's backyard may need only 1,000 lumens.♦ Color TemperatureIt defines the color of light emitted from a light source. It is measured in Kelvins (K). High color temperatures up to 5000-6000K give cooler bluish-white light, whereas lower temperatures (~3,000K) represent a warm yellowish light source. Here are some of the floodlight color temperatures:● Warm White (2700K-3000K)● Neutral White (3500K-4000K)● Cool White (4500K-5000K)● Daylight (5500K-6500K) ♦ RegulationFloodlights and their constituent elements should conform to environmental and safety regulations. The International Football Federation FIFA has strict Quality Assurance guidelines for installing floodlights in stadiums regarding their luminance and luminance uniformity. Floodlights with ENEC, CE, RoHS, ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO50001, and ISO45001 certifications align with many government regulatory and organizational requirements.♦ MaterialFlood lights are usually encased in aluminum or stainless steel bodies, which protect them from harsh weather conditions, and are known for their durability over extended periods. The transparent cover is made of tempered glass, which protects in case the glass fails.♦ IP/IK RatingThe Ingress Protection (IP) is a set of international ratings that tells how much an electrical device is dust and water-resistant. For example, an IP65 rating means the device is dust-resistant and can protect itself against water splashes. The IK ratings are a set of international standards that define the degree of protection for an electrical enclosure against external mechanical impacts. The numeric representation of the IP/IK rating is from 0-10. A higher IK08 rating means the electrical flood light can withstand physical shocks. Having a solid IP/IK rating is vital for installation in a public place.Ingress ProtectionFirst DigitMechanical ProtectionSecond DigitWater Ingress Protection0No Protection0No Protection1Solid Objects Over 50mm1Vertically Falling Drops Of Water2Solid Objects Over 12mm2Direct Sprays Of Water Up To 15° From The Vertical3Solid Objects Over 2.5mm3Direct Sprays Of Water Up To 60° From The Vertical4Solid Objects Over 1mm4Water Splashed From All Directions5Dust Limited Ingress5Low-Pressure Jets Of Water From All Directions6Total Protection Against Dust6Strong Jets Of Water (On The Deck Of The Ship)7Temporary Immersion Between 15cm And 1m.8Long Periods Of Immersion Under Pressure Impact ProtectionIK codeIK00IK01-IK05IK06IK07IK08IK09IK10Impact Energy (Joules)*<11251020Radius Of Striking Element (Rmm)*101025255050Material*Polyamide 1Polyamide 1Steel 2Steel 2Steel 2Steel 2Mass (Kg)*0.20.50.51.755Free Fall Height (M)***0.400.300.200.40Pendulum Hammer*YesYesYesYesYesYesSpring Hammer*YesYesYesNoNoNoFree Fall Hammer*NoNoYesYesYesYes♦ Working HoursManufacturers refer to a flood light's lifespan in terms of working hours (h). Working hours depend on multiple factors, including the type of lamp and the weather conditions in which it is installed. LED-type floodlights offer the most working hours, up to 50,000 hours.♦ Lighting ElementCommon lighting elements installed in floodlights are Halogen, LED, metal halide, and high-pressure sodium lamps. The type of heating element significantly defines the response and the working hours of a floodlight.Applications● Residential: Backyards, rooftops, courtyard, lawn areas● Commercial: Parking lots, outdoor advertising, building illumination● Industrial: Large warehouses, manufacturing setups, process industry halls● Public: Streetlights, metro stations, airports, train halls● Sports: Stadium, football grounds, tennis courts, and more Different Types of Floodlights1. Halogen Type FloodlightThese are classical incandescent lights in which the manufacturer encloses the tungsten filaments in a glass tube filled with halogen gas. Iodine and bromine are the most used halogen gases. On passing electric current across the tungsten filament, it heats up and gives light. The halogen gas inside the quartz tube surrounding the tungsten filament reacts with tungsten vapors and redeposits them back onto the filament. It inhibits the deterioration of the filament, allowing the tungsten filament to achieve higher temperatures, which means more light than the standard incandescent light. Also, it increases the life span of the filament.Based on feedback, buyers prefer them for outdoor field lighting and security fence lighting due to their bright white light. However, they usually generate a lot of heat and are less energy efficient than their LED counterparts.2. LED Type FloodlightThese floodlights use a semiconductor device popularly known as a Light-Emitting Diode (LED). When an electric current passes across the LED, it emits light photons, which give visible light. Unlike their traditional incandescent or filament bulbs, they don’t generate heat up a filament to produce light. LEDs are solid-state devices, so they are much more energy efficient.They generate a small amount of heat. They offer longer life spans than 100,000 hours, meaning fewer replacements, saving money and time. They produce instant illumination, unlike halogen lights, which take time to heat filament. It makes them best suited for security purposes. Due to their solid-state circuitry, they are less prone to external shocks, environmental impacts, and damage from frequent on-off cycles. A high-end LED flood light can withstand up to 90% relative humidity and voltage fluctuation between 100-277V. It may also feature an IP65 / IK09 rating with a life span of >50,000 hours.They come with metal heat sinks, which dissipate the very little heat generated during operation. It makes LED lights cooler to the human touch. Users prefer placing them in parking lots, sports fields, security fences, etc.The initial cost of an LED-type floodlight is higher, but it pays off early due to its> 90% electrical efficiency. Halogen lights offer more brightness than LED lights, but if we think of brightness in terms of lumens per watt of electricity consumed, LED flood lights are the clear winner.     3. Metal HalideThese are High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. They consist of a mixture of mercury in gaseous form and metal halides (metal compounds formed with iodine or bromine). When an electric current is passed across the arc tube, gas is ionized, and as the temperature increases, the metal halides dissociate into metal atoms and halogen atoms.The most frequently used metal halide is sodium iodide. As the electric arc increases gas temperature, sodium dissociates from the iodine, adding orange as the metal ionizes. Metal halide lights offer higher efficacy than their counterparts. They produce up to 75-100 lumens per watt of electricity consumed. They primarily use lighting applications like sports arenas, automotive headlamps, and public places.They take time to reach full operating conditions as the pressure and temperature inside the gaseous mixture tube take time to warm up. This period can be as long as five minutes. As the metal halide lamp ages, the outer glass tube becomes weakened due to operational heat stresses. The pressure inside the tube can reach up to 3.5 atm. The tube at the end of life usually breaks inside the outer glass casing. Generally, their life span is < 20,000 lumens.4. High-Pressure SodiumThese are sodium vapor lamps that operate at internal pressure, usually above 1 atm, and temperature above 1000C. They contain xenon gas along with a sodium-mercury mixture enclosed in a ceramic tube. When an electric current is passed, the xenon gas ionizes to create an arc that heats the sodium mercury amalgam. The mercury vapors emit a bluish-white light, and the sodium vapors emit a golden-white light. These lamps offer higher efficacy and produce up to 150 lumens per watt of electricity consumed. They provide higher life spans, usually > 24,000 hours. However, it gives poor color rendering (distorts illuminated object color). They are typically used for street lighting and as advertising light on billboards, signs, parks, and monuments.Quick Buying GuideNow that we know the basics of a floodlight, we can quickly make the decision to buy one for our next project based on these quick guides. The main target is to build a solid knowledge base to assist in making a knowledgeable buying decision. 1. Assess your needs: Identify the purpose, review location-specific requirements, and assess the desired lux level.2. Type Selection: Based on the requirements, choose between the available Halogen, LED, or high-pressure sodium lights. LED is the latest technology, requiring less power and providing longer-lasting performance.3. Specifications: Choose appropriate lumens, wattage, IP rating, etc.4. Comparisons: Compare different options as per budget requirements5. Check for Reviews: give due weightage to the operating experience feedback by the users.6. Purchase: Get the floodlights and have them installed by a qualified technician.FAQs1. How long do flood lights generally last?Their everyday life spans over 45000 hours of illumination. Life spans are also dependent on environmental and operating conditions. 2. Is there any difference between IP65 and IP67 rating flood lights?IP65 rating guarantees protection against dust and water splashes, while IP67 offers water ingress protection up to 1-meter deep water immersion for 30 minutes.  In a nutshell, IP65-rating flood lights are for general outdoor purposes, whereas common adversaries are dusty winds and light rainfall. IP67-rating flood lights offer superior protection against harsh weather conditions, including short-duration water immersion. 3. What type of flood light is best suited for outdoor security?LED floodlights are best suited for security purposes. They are energy efficient, offer bright and clear lighting, and possess longer life hours. 4. Do flood lights serve the purpose of indoor lighting?Floodlights offer high-lumen light intensity and are suited for large indoor spaces like warehouses, halls, metro stations, and indoor process industry spaces like turbine halls. 5. Which Flood light rating is best suited for me?Each application has its own set of requirements. Large open spaces like a football field will require higher lumens ( >10,000 lm), whereas backyard or street lighting purposes require lesser lumens (2,000 to 3,000 lm).

Roadway lighting dates back to ancient civilizations. Lighting techniques that revolved around fire quickly rolled out after electricity and light bulbs were invented. Modern roadway lighting utilizes light-emitting diode (LED), high-pressure sodium (HPS), or high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps to brighten up roads in low-light conditions. As the world moves towards robust products with longevity, LEDs stand out as the best type of lamp for roadway lighting.The world still uses HPS and HID lamps due to their low initial costs. Therefore, they are relevant when compared with the latest LED technology. Each type of lamp has its advantages and disadvantages. This blog will explore the difference between types of lamps and dive into details of roadway LED light technologies to consider when purchasing.Types of Lamps Used in Roadway LightingCountries are reluctant to switch to new technologies quickly due to the fear of the public's response and feedback resisting change. However, companies have solved the rising concerns through innovation and user-driven design considerations. Currently, the world utilizes the following three types of lamps for roadway lighting:1. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS)An HPS lamp's primary materials are xenon gas, sodium, and mercury. The public can spot them on roadway lighting with bulbs that take three to four minutes to reach full brightness. The lamp's power consumption is 100 lumens per watt. It is competitive with LED lamps, but their omnidirectional nature causes lower perceived light brightness. HPS technology has been around since the 1930s.The electricity that goes into the bulb passes through the xenon gas inside the glass chamber. It causes the xenon gas to ionize, forming an arc that vaporizes sodium and mercury to create light. The light is yellow in the range of 1900 to 2000 degrees Kelvin. These lamps have low color rendering capabilities.2. High-Intensity Discharge (HID)HID lamps also pass high electricity through a gas to create light. They require a ballast to operate. They contain tungsten electrodes inside a fused alumina arc or quartz tube. The noble gas of suitable metal or metal salt is used to enable the arc's initial strike. They are also known as arc lamps.The technology of HID lamps can be traced back to 1675, when Jean-Felix Picard discovered that his mercury barometer glows when shaken. However, the first HID commercially available bulb was made in 1965. It produces 95 lumens/watt, which is competitive with HPS and LED but also has similar omnidirectional light problems.3. Light Emitting Diode (LED)The origins of LED technology go back to 1962 when TI announced the first commercial hemispherical LED. Compared to other technologies, LED provides directional light emission, which leads to better brightness and focus lighting. It utilizes semiconductor technology to produce light. When current passes through a diode, minority and majority charge carriers recombine, releasing energy in the form of photons or light.There is no use of ballasts, which can easily damage them under impact. LEDs provide 70% energy savings compared to traditional roadway lighting technologies. They require low power for operation, have a robust and reliable design, and provide exceptional regulatory control for innovative city projects. These features and wide-scale applications make LEDs the top choice for use as lamps in roadway lighting.Comparison of HPS, HID, and LED Roadway LightingFeatureHPSHIDLEDTechnologyGas DischargeGas DischargeSolid-StateLight SourceSodium VaporVarious Gases (E.G., Mercury, Metal Halide)Semiconductor DiodeColor TemperatureWarm Yellow (1900-2000k)Varies Depending On The Gas UsedWide Range Of ColorsColor RenderingPoorVariesExcellentEfficiency100 Lumens/Watt95 Lumens/Watt100-150 Lumens/WattLifespan10,000-20,000 Hours10,000-25,000 Hours50,000-200,000 HoursWarm-up Time3-4 MinutesVariesInstant OnBallast RequiredYesYesNoLight DistributionOmnidirectionalOmnidirectionalDirectionalEnvironmental ImpactMercury ContentMercury Or Other Metal ContentNo Harmful SubstancesSmart FeaturesLimitedLimitedDimming, Remote Control, SensorsTop LED Roadway Lighting Technologies to ConsiderAfter comparison of different types of lamps used in roadway lighting, we can safely state that LED is the way to the future. Therefore, LED lamps are best for roadway lighting. To fully understand LED technology, we must consider intricate details about LED roadway lighting before purchasing one.Roadway lighting is exposed to harsh conditions, including high wind, UV radiation, thunderstorms, high humidity, salt spray, vandalism, dust, and lightning strikes. LED roadway light manufacturers use various design features to counter these conditions. Let's analyze what technologies make LED roadway lights tough and durable!1. Casing: Choice of Material and Engineering DesignCasings combine different metals and optics. Aluminum forms the base, iron or stainless steel forms the connection portion, and polycarbonate or glass makes up the front light cover. Each material exhibits properties relevant to a buyer's purchasing decision.▪ Material Considerations in LED Roadway Lighting◀ Case MaterialMost LED roadway light manufacturers choose aluminum, providing 237 W/mf heat transfer capability. LEDs produce heat when operating, which makes metal a great case material. Aluminum, in particular, has good corrosion resistance and is easier to manufacture than other materials. Its 2.7g/cm3 density makes it lighter than the same LED light base made with iron, which has a 7.8g/cm3 density.Using aluminum provides lightweight, corrosion-resistant, versatile, heat-conductive, and recyclable designs for LED roadway light cases. A high-end LED roadway light will have a UV and water-resistive coating to improve longevity. ◀ Mounting or Installation MechanismThe street light pole mount can be 60-76mm in diameter. The street light LED assembly must clamp onto the pole firmly. Manufacturers produce yoke, side entry, shoe, top entry, and suspended mounting mechanisms. These can be either aluminum or iron, depending on the design. In the case of iron, the mount can catch rust in high humidity and UV conditions. Aluminum is still the preferred mounting material for LED streetlights. ◀ Front LensLED lights need protection from the environment to avoid damage, while their light should also pass without absorption through the front lens. Therefore, the front lens can be plastic or glass. A polycarbonate lens provides strength against impact, less weight, easier maintenance, and flexibility. Meanwhile, glass provides optical clarity and less likelihood of yellowing. Polycarbonate is ideal for street lights as it allows for better safety and strength against harsh conditions while being easy to replace.▪ Design Considerations by LED Roadway Light ManufacturersBuyers must thoroughly consider the LED roadway light case design before purchasing. An intelligent design can prevent various failure scenarios, such as water entrapment, grounding, and heating. The material used as LED roadway light casing should be consecutive to dissipate heat and have holes to allow water to drain in case water finds its way into the circuit boxes. Grounding is also necessary to avoid electric shock and can be required by any local regulating body.2. LED: Semiconductors on a PCB or BoardThe light-emitting part inside an LED roadway light is a semiconductor material. Silicon is an abundant material that manufacturers use to produce LED (Light Emitting Diode). There are various ways to manufacture an LED. Here are their descriptions:● Wire Bond COBWire bonding connects an Individual LED or semiconductor to the substrate. Wire bond LED technology is simple to manufacture, as the integrated circuit is prepared to bond directly to the substrate. Multiple small LEDs are connected to the substrate or PCB, which are then covered by epoxy to seal and protect the electronic circuitry.● Flip Chip COBFlip-chip is the next step in LED manufacturing. There is no wire bonding step, which results in better illumination, as the semiconductors require less space and can have denser formations. Since there are no wires, there is a lower blockage, leading to a further increase in illumination. Typically, high-end street LEDs will feature a flip-chip COB.● Driver on Board (DOB)It is a less common design opted by LED manufacturers as it increases the heat load in one area. LEDs require power to light up. The circuit that powers them is called the driver. Some designs with compactness or low-power applications can have DOB LED designs. The driver is beside the set of LEDs mounted on the same substrate. It is better to have a driver in a separate compartment to improve heat transfer capabilities and avoid damage to components in high heat and harsh environments. Manufacturers use LED chips and drivers that come pre-fabricated and ready to install in street lighting enclosures. Here are some of the top brand lineups that users should consider: LED Chips1. Philips 3050 or 50502. Cree XLamp3. Osram Golden Dragon4. Nichia NPU5. Seoul Semiconductor SunLike LED Drivers1. Mean Well2. Philips3. MW4. TDK-Lambda3. IP Rating: Ingress ProtectionIf an LED roadway light manufacturer mentions an IP rating in its specifications, you will have to spend less time reviewing the details of water and sand protection design. IP ratings directly provide ingress protection capability. The first number in an ingress protection rating represents protection against dust, and the second represents water ingress protection. If an LED roadway light is rated IP65, there is no chance of dust entering the case in a highly dusty environment for two to eight hours. Moreover, the device has protection against jets of water.  4. IK Rating: Impact ProtectionIK stands for Impact-Kinetic. Similar to ingress protection, impact protection, or the IK rating, also tells a big story in a number. If an LED roadway light manufacturer mentions an IK09 rating in its product specs, the product has an impact resistance of 10 joules. It is equivalent to a 5-kg object dropping from 20cm in height. 5. Heatsink: Conductivity with Cost EffectivenessA typical roadway lighting LED consists of aluminum as the base material and acts as a heatsink. However, thermal pastes and pads play a vital role in ensuring the heat is conducted from the LED chip to the case and the driver and adequately dissipated to the environment. High-end street lights use high-quality and adequate quantities of thermal paste and padding underneath the substrate or PCB to ensure proper heat transfer. Similarly, the driver is also thermally bonded with the casing through adhesives, pads, and thermal pastes.There are a couple of things to look for in an LED roadway light: the body should be made of high-conductivity material, the design may include a fin-like structure outside, and all the heat-generating components should be heatsinked appropriately.6. Regulation: Smart City ControlCities are turning smart with better control over roadway lighting, protecting the environment and human health. A decrease in energy consumption through intelligent control can involve proximity sensors, timers, and solar detectors. It enables the city administrations to install more street lights, thus improving safety and security. However, not all LEDs have regulation capabilities. The LED needs to be dimmable with the following features:● 0-10V DimmingIt is a dimming functionality that requires a compatible LED driver. It regulates the brightness of the LED or turns it ON/OFF based on a control signal that works between 0 and 10V. If 0V is supplied, the LED turns OFF, whereas 10V means maximum brightness. It requires connecting an additional control circuit for brightness control.● DALI DimmingIt is a communication interface called a digital addressable lighting interface (DALI). It allows brightness control, color temperature control, recall preprogrammed settings, group control, and error diagnosis capabilities. It transmits data using the existing power lines to control a set of lights.● Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM)It is a method of turning the LED on and off faster than the frequency cycle. The rapid cycling decreases brightness and pulse width. It is a more common technique in small street LEDs.● NAMA ConnectorPhotocells can connect to the light using a NAMA connector with 3-pin, 5-pin, and 7-pin configurations. A photocell connection with the 3-pin NAMA connector will turn the light ON/OFF based on ambient light. A 7-pin connector provides the flexibility of brightness control with lighting conditions.7. Electrical Categories: Enhanced SafetyThere are generally two categories of electrical safety. They represent grounding, safety, and insulation-related aspects of the product. Here is a table to summarize Class I and Class II electrical categories: FeatureClass IClass IIGroundingGroundedUngroundedInsulationIt may have double insulationReinforced insulationSafetyLower risk of electric shock due to groundingLower risk of electric shock due to reinforced insulationFinal Words and TipsBuyers may consider LED roadway lighting when going through their feature-rich design and robustness. If you are considering LED for roadway lighting, here are a few tips to consider:● Pick a manufacturer that offers detailed specifications, including IP and IK ratings.● The LED roadway lights should have a high-end LED chip.● The complete assembly should be made of high-conductivity material to promote heat transfer.● Consider regulation capabilities such as 0-10V, DALI, PWM, and NAMA connectors.● Forsee local regulations that may require electrical Class I or Class II equipment.● Order the product in small quantities for testing purposes and then go for the whole batch.We hope you found this guide to roadway lighting useful. When finding a roadway light for your next project, always keep all the specifications and requirements in mind.

Do you know that there are streetlights that do not require grid power for operation? All they need is good sunlight during the day to work at night. Solar streetlights use a system of solar panels, electricity storage, and control systems to provide lighting at night. It enables off-grid lighting systems in remote areas with minimal maintenance and installation activities. They also reduce the lighting load from the grid, which accounts for 20% of the nation's consumption.Solar streetlights have programmed PWM or other controllers that adjust LED brightness based on battery voltage, date, and real-time clock data. They are a complete lighting system with electricity storage, solar energy converters, controllers, drivers, lighting elements, and mechanical fittings.Types Of Solar Street LightsAs technology progresses and feedback from solar street light installations piles up, various designs emerge to cater to field conditions. LED lamps have shown promising results in solar street lights. Owing to their directional light characteristics, they provide the best lumens per watt power consumption. Considering the solar street light design manufacturers divide them into four major categories:1. Integrated All in One Solar Street LightsAs their name suggests, these solar lights have all the systems integrated inside an enclosure. It includes the solar panel, battery, driver, controller, fittings, and heat sink. The installation of integrated lights is simple and convenient, as there is no need for additional wiring or complex fittings. The integration of components is favorable for sites where quick installation is necessary. These lights have a convenient pole mounting system with quick fastening and electrical connection. A professional can set up an integrated solar street light in less than a minute.The integration of multiple components also leads to a sleek design. Integrated all-in-one solar streetlights offer an elegant and modern aesthetic that enhances the visual appeal of public spaces. These lights can feature proximity sensors, brightness adjustments, and excellent IP/IK ratings.2. Modular Design Solar Powered Street LightsWhat if you could change the only part malfunctioning in the light with minimum disassembly and quick installation? Modular solar-powered street lights provide flexibility in maintenance and modifications. A typical modular solar street light will have the following replaceable components:● Solar Panel● Lamp Shell● LED Light Board + Optical Lens● Controller● Battery PackThe modular design also enables upgradation capability with simple steps. If the company introduces a new and more robust component, the user can easily replace it through simple disassembly and replacement. Its modular capabilities make it an ideal product that supports sustainability with cost-effectiveness.3. Split System Solar Street LightsThe initial design of solar streetlights was the split system, which was cost-effective and functional. Its simple approach with separate components allows for easy replacement and upgradation. Compared to modular designs, the split system approach takes up more space and has a visible bulkiness to the aesthetics.Replacing components of the split solar street lights is more convenient. The use of non-specialized components allows for modifications within the budget. The buyer is not restricted to using components from the same manufacturer. However, it does have longer installation time and wiring complexities than the modular design approach.4. Integrated Pole Solar Street LightsIntegrated pole solar street lights are ideal for applications where a luminance of 3000-9000lm is enough to light up the street. These streetlights integrate the solar panel around the circumference of the pole. They are also called wrapped solar pole street lights. All the components of the solar street lights are inside the pole, making the overall assembly sleek and aesthetically pleasing.These lights are ideal for locations with high foot traffic or tourist attractions. However, the buyer must consider the high initial cost, as these lights come with the solar panel integrated pole, LED, control systems, and battery.Differences Between Solar Street Light And Normal Street LightStandard and solar streetlights differ in aesthetics, design, components, and application. Selecting either of the technologies requires careful evaluation of their differences and possible budget impacts. Here are their differences:● Design: Solar streetlights would appear visibly bulky as they carry additional solar panels and battery systems. In comparison, regular street lights use grid power, reducing the number of components.● Application: Normal street lights are suitable for locations with an energy grid. Solar streetlights are off-grid and ideal for remote areas without a power grid.● Cost: A solar street light costs significantly more than a typical street light. It is mainly due to the added components and control system design.Differences Between Solar Street Light And Solar FloodlightSolar streetlights and floodlights vary in build quality, fixtures, light spread, and application. The differences are primarily due to the design, which uses similar internal and external components. Here are the key differences:● Design: A solar floodlight can have a solar panel integrated into the body or installed separately, similar to a solar street light. Streetlights focus downward with lower directionality than floodlights, while floodlights provide a focused beam to an object.● Applications: Solar floodlights light up buildings, sports fields, billboards, or security parameters.● Cost: Solar streetlights typically require a higher initial budget as they need a robust design compared to solar floodlights. Their impact protection rating is generally higher than that of most floodlights. However, exceptions to these conditions exist in both types.Here is a table that summarizes all the differences between regular streetlights, solar streetlights, and solar floodlights:FeatureNormal Street LightSolar Street LightSolar FloodlightPower SourceGrid powerSolar energySolar energyDesignSmaller and simplerBulkier due to solar panel and batteryIntegrated or split systemApplicationLocations with grid accessOff-grid areasTargeted illumination (e.g., buildings, sports fields)CostLower initial costHigher initial costMay have a lower initial cost (varies)MaintenanceHigher maintenance due to reliance on grid powerLower maintenance due to self-sufficiencyLower maintenance due to fewer components (integrated systems)Light DistributionWider spread (e.g., 120-150 degrees)Wider spread (e.g., 120-150 degrees)Focused beam (e.g., 30-60 degrees)WattageTypically higher wattageTypically lower wattageTypically higher wattageImpact ProtectionVariesGenerally higherMay have lower impact protection (can vary)Features of a Solar Street LightFinding the perfect solar streetlights necessitates evaluating their specifications. Understanding the limits is vital to finding compatibility with any lighting project. Solar streetlights are an excellent off-grid lighting system, but finding the right supplier that addresses the challenges and complexities of solar streetlights is essential. Let's have a look at the key specs of a solar street light:➤ Solar Street Lights Lumens: Brightness, Wattage, and LED ChipsLumens and Controlling BrightnessLumens is a unit to measure lighting conditions. It represents the brightness of the light in numeric form. Higher lumens mean that the light will be brighter, but it will also require more power. Modern intelligent lighting systems utilize lighting and proximity sensors and timers to control brightness based on environmental requirements. These advanced LED solar streetlights have longer operational life and provide better battery backup due to advanced regulation and control systems. Street Light Wattage and BrightnessAn 80-watt solar streetlight can produce 12800 lumens of light using a design that can produce 160Lm/W. Highway lighting typically requires 10000 lumens, which makes 80 watts high enough to support the necessary brightness for adequate driver response time and awareness distance. A 20-watt solar street light is enough for pedestrians on a sidewalk. A typical solar street light for sidewalks will feature proximity sensors to adjust the lighting brightness based on traffic. LED Chips and LumensManufacturers produce many types of LED chips. The most popular and robust are SMD5050 and SMD3030 from Luxeon, a Philips LumiLEDs brand. Owing to their chip design and good heat transfer characteristics, these chips have exceptional Lm/W production capability. Ensuring the LED chips' good construction quality and design is vital in selecting solar streetlights.➤ Solar Panel: Efficiency, Direction and SizeSolar panels are the most vital part of solar streetlights. They provide electricity to the lighting module via a battery. During the day, they convert solar power from the sun to electricity through PV (Photovoltaic) cells. The photons in the sunlight fall on the PV module and cause its electrons to move inside the PV cells. It leads to generating current that goes to the battery through wires for storage. A typical 40-80W solar street light will have a 35-65W solar panel to charge the battery.➤ Battery Capacity: Type and Energy DensityThere are many types of batteries, each with its characteristics. Lithium Li-NCM and Lithium LiFePO4 are the two popular types of batteries with varying capacities. The types of batteries directly affect their capability to store energy. However, initial budget and installation constraints can decide when selecting a type. Typically, high-end LED solar street lights will feature either of these two types of batteries:● Lithium Li-NCM: Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide is a popular battery cathode material. The monocrystalline cathode material can achieve an ultrahigh volumetric energy density of over 2600 Wh/L in half-cells. Its energy-dense properties make it ideal for solar panel applications where space constraints are vital.● LiFePO4: Lithium Iron Phosphate is another compact battery suitable for solar street lights due to its energy-dense characteristics of 433 Wh/L (1170mAh).  ➤ Backup Time: Brightness Regulation and BatteryBackup time depends on various other specifications of a solar street light. A high-end solar street light will feature control methods that decrease the brightness of the LED during times of low or no traffic. The backup time also depends on the LED chip and the driver's battery capacity and power consumption. To summarize, a modern solar street light that uses the latest battery type with modern regulation techniques will generally quote their backup time depending on the brightness levels. Here is an example of a solar streetlight from CHZ:● Option 1: 4 hours of full power and 8 hours of sensor-based brightness.● Option 2: 12 hours with sensor-based brightness (100% brightness when active, 30% during non-active).These show that if the light runs in regulation control, it can run for 12 hours a day. If it uses full brightness for 4 hours, with loads of traffic and proximity sensors for brightness control for 8 hours, it can have a similar backup of 12 hours.➤ Control Method: Sensors and Control CircuitsSolar streetlight manufacturers deploy various control methods to enhance battery backup and address environmental concerns. During the night, with low traffic, the lights will reduce brightness to ensure the circadian rhythm of humans living around the block is not disturbed. A solar street light controls light through sensors and control circuits: Sensors● Light Sensor with NEMA Connector● Motion Sensing Using Proximity Sensors● Battery Voltage Sensor● Power Consumption Sensor● Tilt Sensor for Solar Panel Control Circuits● 0-10V Dimming● DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) Dimming● Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)Installation and MaintenanceSolar streetlights are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance. All the components inside solar streetlights are maintenance-free. The only time when maintenance becomes necessary is after the breakdown of an element or the cleaning of lights. Installation has also become convenient owing to the design maturity and the modular or integrated approach. As solar street lights do not require any external power to operate, they can be installed in minutes, only requiring fastening to the pole. Here is the life expectancy of the two most vulnerable components: ● Solar Panel: According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar panels last between 20 and 30 years.● Battery: A Li-NCM battery can last 1500-2000 charge-discharge cycles. On the other hand, a LiFePO4 battery has a charge-discharge cycle limit of 2500-3000. This roughly translates to 5-7 years if the battery uses 80% of its charge every day with 12 hours of use in regulation mode.ConclusionSolar streetlights are the best for off-grid solutions and long-term savings. The initial cost can be high, but due to modern design's reliability and maturity, solar streetlights are becoming the go-to option for most countries for street lighting. Even areas with a grid are also adopting solar streetlights. Solar streetlights are worth choosing from many other types of lighting fixtures as they provide efficiency, low maintenance, easy installation, and enhanced regulation features.