CHZ Lighting - LED Street Light Manufacturer and LED Flood Light Factory Since 2013
From inquiry to delivery: how overseas projects build reliable custom street lighting workflows
From inquiry to delivery: how overseas projects build reliable custom street lighting workflows
A field-tested 6-step process covering photometric design, manufacturing, international compliance, and after-sales support, built for procurement teams who need a single accountable supplier from PRD to on-site commissioning.
Why custom street lighting now leads overseas procurement
The global outdoor lighting market continues its robust expansion. According to Grand View Research, the market is projected to grow from USD 17.1 billion in 2024 to USD 19.5 billion in 2026, registering a CAGR of 9.4% through 2030. A separate forecast from Mordor Intelligence values the 2026 market at USD 17.32 billion with a 6.48% CAGR to 2031. Behind these figures lies a decisive shift: overseas lighting projects are no longer satisfied with off-the-shelf products. They demand custom street lighting solutions tailored to local climates, regulatory frameworks, and performance requirements.
Recent landmark projects underscore this trend. In May 2026, Signify delivered a traffic-adaptive lighting system for Liverpool's waterfront, using LumiStreet Gen2 luminaires connected to the Interact City central management platform, achieving up to 30% energy savings over the next decade. In April 2026, Solar TODO deployed 141 smart streetlight units in San Salvador, El Salvador, integrating 2x80W LED lighting, 7kW dual-gun EV charging, WiFi 6, PTZ cameras, and P5 information displays on 11m hybrid poles. These projects illustrate a common theme: standard products cannot meet the complex, multifunctional demands of modern infrastructure initiatives.
Core thesis: This article breaks down the complete custom street lighting workflow, from initial inquiry through design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and final delivery, with a focus on what overseas project buyers need to know at every stage.
01 / Why overseas projects demand custom solutions
Off-the-shelf street lights are designed for average conditions. Overseas projects, however, rarely operate under average conditions. Coastal installations face salt spray corrosion, tropical islands contend with intense solar radiation and humidity, and urban centers increasingly require multifunctional infrastructure that combines lighting with EV charging, surveillance, and connectivity. Consider three real-world examples that illustrate why overseas street lighting customization is not a luxury but a necessity:
Case A. Coastal salt-spray corrosion
Sresky deployed 233 solar street lights along the southwest coast of Cyprus, a limestone cliff environment exposed to thick salt fog, high humidity, and violent winds. Standard fixtures would rust and fail within months. The solution required C5-grade corrosion protection per ISO 12944, with optimized structural design to withstand wind-induced vibration. Standard-grade coatings (C3 or C4) would be wholly inadequate.
Case B. Tropical island solar harvesting
Solway installed 120 vertical solar poles on a small American island with abundant but harsh tropical sunshine. The team conducted on-site surveys to optimize Type II light distribution, selected 140W vertical solar panels to maximize energy harvesting year-round, and achieved 6,000 lumens of total luminous efficacy, all without grid cabling, eliminating recurring electricity costs. A standard product would not have delivered the right photometric distribution or solar autonomy for this climate.
Case C. Multifunctional urban integration
The San Salvador project referenced above demonstrates how smart street light customization now extends far beyond illumination. Each pole integrates LED lighting, EV charging, WiFi 6, PTZ surveillance cameras, one-press SOS, dual-way intercom, IP audio columns, and P5 LED information displays, all within a single 11m hybrid steel structure.
Standard products vs. custom solutions: 7 core differences
| Dimension | Standard Products | Custom Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Protection | C3 (urban/industrial) | Up to C5 or CX (coastal/offshore) per ISO 12944 |
| Photometric Design | Fixed beam angles | Tailored Type I-V per road class, DIALux simulated |
| Smart Control | Basic on/off or photocell | NEMA / ZHAGA / DALI2 D4i, IoT integration |
| Power Configuration | Fixed wattage options | Custom power, battery capacity, solar panel sizing |
| Compliance | Generic certifications | Project-specific matrix (CE, CB, ETL, TUV, ENEC++) |
| Pole Design | Standard heights (6 / 8 / 10m) | Custom height, arm length, tilt, color, material |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Higher maintenance and replacement | Optimized TCO via site-specific engineering |
Table 01. Standard catalog products vs. site-specific custom solutions across the 7 dimensions that determine 10-year TCO.
The value of custom street lighting solutions extends beyond technical fit. By engineering fixtures specifically for the deployment environment, project owners achieve lower total cost of ownership (TCO), guaranteed regulatory compliance, and optimized performance metrics, whether that means hitting specific lux levels on a highway or ensuring 3 to 5 days of battery autonomy for an off-grid solar installation.
02 / The 6-step custom workflow (inquiry to delivery)
A structured workflow separates reliable custom lighting suppliers from those who improvise. The following six-step process, refined through years of international project execution, ensures that every custom street lighting solution moves from concept to delivery with full traceability.
Step 1. Inquiry & Needs Assessment
The process begins with comprehensive data collection. A qualified supplier will request, or help the buyer define, the following seven PRD parameters:
- Road classification (motorway, arterial, residential, pedestrian)
- Pole height and spacing (existing or planned)
- Required lux levels and uniformity ratios (per EN 13201 or local standards)
- Climate and environmental conditions (temperature range, humidity, salt spray exposure, wind loads)
- Power source (grid-connected, solar, hybrid)
- Certification requirements (CE, CB, ETL, TUV, ENEC++, local marks)
- Smart control requirements (dimming protocols, remote management, sensor integration)
Deliverable: A project requirements document (PRD) signed by both parties.
Step 2. Site Survey & Photometric Design
For complex projects, the supplier either dispatches a technical team or conducts remote data collection using site plans, GPS coordinates, and photos. The photometric design phase uses DIALux (or equivalent) to simulate illuminance distribution, generating three core outputs:
- Iso-lux curves and 3D renderings
- Average maintained illuminance, uniformity (U0, U1), and glare ratings (TI)
- Pole placement optimization to eliminate dark zones
Deliverable: A photometric simulation report with DIALux files and compliance verification against the target standard.
Step 3. Specification & Proposal
Based on the photometric design, the engineering team produces three deliverables:
- Technical specification sheet: wattage, lumen output, CCT, CRI, IP rating, IK rating, beam angle, driver type, dimming protocol
- Bill of Materials (BOM): itemized component list with brand specifications (LED chips, drivers, batteries, controllers)
- Commercial proposal: unit pricing, tooling costs (if applicable), lead time, warranty terms, and Incoterms
This is also the stage where procurement compliance matters. Queneng's procurement law compliance guide notes that EU member states must follow Directive 2014/24/EU, which mandates principles of transparency, equal treatment, and non-discrimination in public procurement. For projects funded by multilateral lenders, World Bank procurement rules apply and often prevail over local permissiveness. Buyers should specify performance-based specifications (defining required outcomes rather than prescribed brands) to ensure fair competition and avoid legal challenges.
Deliverable: Technical specification, BOM, and commercial quotation.
Step 4. Prototyping & Approval
For custom designs, particularly new housing profiles, special color finishes, or novel optical configurations, a prototype is manufactured and submitted for client review. The four acceptance checks:
- Physical sample for visual and dimensional inspection
- Photometric test report from an accredited laboratory
- Salt spray test results (for coastal projects)
- IP / IK test certification
The client reviews and formally approves the sample, locking in the manufacturing specification.
Deliverable: Approved prototype with signed acceptance form.
Step 5. Manufacturing & QC
With the approved specification locked, mass production begins. A robust quality control system includes three checkpoints:
- IQC (Incoming Quality Control): raw material inspection, LED chips, drivers, aluminum housings, batteries, PCBs
- IPQC (In-Process Quality Control): solder paste inspection, assembly process audits, torque checks, potting verification
- OQC (Outgoing Quality Control): final product testing, photometric performance, dielectric strength, IP rating verification, aging test (typically 8 to 24 hours)
Each batch is accompanied by a quality inspection report traceable to serial numbers.
Deliverable: Finished products with batch QC reports and compliance certificates.
Step 6. Shipping & After-sales
Packaging is designed for international shipping, typically reinforced cartons with foam inserts, or custom wooden crates for pole-mounted systems. Logistics coordination includes export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, COO, certificates), freight booking (sea / air / land) per Incoterms, and customs clearance support.
Post-delivery, the supplier provides installation manuals, wiring diagrams, and remote or on-site installation guidance. A warranty period (typically 5 to 7 years for LED modules) covers defects, with spare parts support.
Deliverable: Delivered products, installation documentation, warranty activation, and after-sales support plan.
03 / Engineering & manufacturing capabilities
Custom street light specification design involves three engineering disciplines working in concert: optical, structural, and electrical.
Optical design
The optical system, typically LED chips paired with precision-engineered lenses, determines light distribution. Different road classifications require different beam patterns:
- Type II for narrow roads and walkways
- Type III for roadway and general area lighting
- Type V for high-bay and square applications
High-efficiency systems now achieve luminous efficacy exceeding 150 lm/W, with premium configurations reaching 200+ lm/W.
Structural design
Structural engineering addresses thermal management, mechanical strength, and environmental durability:
- Thermal management: die-cast aluminum heat sinks with optimized fin geometry, junction temps held below critical thresholds, extending LED life to 100,000+ hours (L70)
- Pole and bracket: hot-dip galvanized steel poles with powder coating, wind loads calculated per local meteorological data
- Corrosion protection: for coastal environments, C5-grade systems per ISO 12944 (epoxy primer + intermediate coat + polyurethane topcoat) deliver 15 to 25+ years of durability
Electrical & smart control
Custom electrical systems accommodate:
- Driver selection: constant-current drivers with programmable output, surge protection 10kV/10kA, dimming interfaces (0-10V, DALI, PWM)
- Smart control protocols: NEMA and ZHAGA socket standards for plug-and-play sensor attachment. DALI2 D4i supports centralized management with data reporting (energy consumption, fault alerts, asset inventory)
- Solar configurations: MPPT controllers, LiFePO4 battery sizing for 3 to 5 days autonomy, and hybrid (solar + grid) systems for unreliable grid areas
CHZ manufacturing footprint
OEM / ODM customization parameters
| Customization Parameter | Options / Range |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 20W to 600W+ (project-dependent) |
| Color Temperature | 2700K to 6500K |
| CRI | >=70, >=80, >=90 |
| Housing Color | RAL standard or custom Pantone |
| Pole Height | 3m to 15m (custom) |
| Smart Control | NEMA / ZHAGA / DALI2 D4i / 0-10V |
| Ingress Protection | IP66 / IP67 / IP68 |
| Certification | CE / CB / ETL / TUV / ENEC++ |
| Material / Process | Die-cast aluminum, hot-dip galvanized + powder-coated steel, tempered glass, IP66/67 housings |
Table 02. OEM / ODM customization range. All parameters are independently configurable per project specification.
04 / Quality assurance & international compliance
Quality assurance for overseas street lighting projects is not optional. It is a contractual and regulatory requirement. A robust QA system must span the entire production lifecycle and be backed by internationally recognized certifications.
Full-process quality control (IQC + IPQC + OQC)
The three-stage framework ensures defect prevention rather than defect detection alone:
IQC (Incoming)
Every raw material batch is inspected against specifications. LED chips are tested for luminous flux, color temperature, and CRI. Drivers undergo surge and aging tests. Aluminum housings are checked for dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
IPQC (In-Process)
Assembly line checkpoints verify soldering quality, torque values on fasteners, potting completeness, and wiring correctness. Statistical process control (SPC) charts monitor yield rates.
OQC (Outgoing)
Each finished unit undergoes photometric testing, dielectric strength (hi-pot), ground continuity, IP verification, and an 8 to 24 hour aging test. Products are only released with passing QC reports.
International certification matrix
| Certification | Scope | Market Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001 | Quality Management System | Global |
| ISO 14001 | Environmental Management | Global |
| ISO 45001 | Occupational Health & Safety | Global |
| ISO 50001 | Energy Management | Global |
| ENEC++ | European luminaire safety | EU + EFTA |
| CE | EU mandatory compliance | EU / EEA |
| CB | IEC electrotechnical safety | 50+ CB Scheme countries |
| ETL | North American safety certification | USA + Canada |
| TUV | German safety mark | EU + DACH region |
Table 03. CHZ international certification portfolio. All listed certifications are held in-house and verifiable via certificate numbers.
TUV witnessed laboratory
CHZ operates a TUV-witnessed laboratory on-site, which delivers measurable advantages:
- Testing efficiency improvement of 30% compared to third-party-only testing
- EU market access shortened to 5 working days for certification-renewed products
- In-house capability for photometric distribution, surge, IP, IK, and thermal testing, reducing lead times for certification amendments
Battery safety (solar products)
For solar street lights with integrated batteries, additional compliance applies:
- UN 38.3 transport safety testing for lithium batteries
- MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet for battery modules
- IEC 62133-2 safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells
Third-party verification standards
Independent testing against key international standards provides buyers with objective confidence:
- IEC 60598-1 luminaire safety, covers electrical, thermal, and mechanical safety
- IEC 62133-2 battery safety (for solar products)
- EN 13201 road lighting performance, defines lighting classes, measurement methods, and performance criteria
05 / CHZ Lighting: your custom street lighting partner
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Shanghai's Jiading District, CHZ Lighting has grown into a vertically integrated manufacturer with three production bases (Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Ningbo), serving over 100 countries and 1,200+ projects worldwide. The company's 18,000 m2 facility, five assembly lines, and annual capacity of 1,000,000 units provide the manufacturing scale that overseas projects demand, while a 99.2% on-time delivery rate ensures project timelines are met.
CHZ company at a glance
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Shanghai, Jiading District |
| Production Bases | Shanghai / Hangzhou / Ningbo |
| Facility Size | 18,000 m2 |
| Assembly Lines | 5 |
| Annual Capacity | 1,000,000 units |
| On-Time Delivery Rate | 99.2% |
| ISO Certifications | 9001 / 14001 / 45001 / 50001 |
| Product Certifications | ENEC++ / CE / CB / ETL / TUV |
| TUV Witnessed Lab | Testing efficiency +30%, EU access in 5 working days |
| Patents | 20+ |
| Academic Partnership | Fudan University |
| Global Reach | 100+ countries, 1,200+ projects |
| Overseas Branches | Spain, Greece, Romania, USA, Argentina, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso |
| LED Lifespan | 100,000 hours |
| Energy Savings | Up to 70% vs. conventional lighting |
| Warranty (LED modules) | 5 to 7 years |
| Custom Workflow | 7 steps, PRD to installation |
Table 04. CHZ Lighting company fundamentals, manufacturing scale, certifications, and global reach.
Product portfolio (6 categories)
Smart lighting capabilities (3 protocols)
- NEMA / ZHAGA standardized interfaces for plug-and-play sensor and node attachment
- 0-10V and DALI2 D4i dimming for centralized management and energy optimization
- Remote management platforms for asset monitoring, fault detection, and energy reporting
Project case studies
Case Study 1
Godelleta, Spain: Street Light Renovation
CHZ supplied LED street lights for a municipal road lighting upgrade in Godelleta, a town in the Valencia region. The project focused on energy efficiency improvement and environmental sustainability, replacing legacy luminaires with high-efficacy LED fixtures that reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs while improving roadway visibility.
Case Study 2
Greece: Gothic-Style Garden Lights
CHZ delivered decorative street and garden lighting for a Greek project that required preserving the area's Gothic architectural aesthetic. The fixtures featured custom-designed housings that maintained the Gothic appearance while incorporating modern LED technology, photocell-based light control, and anti-glare PC (polycarbonate) diffusers for visual comfort.
CHZ 7-step custom service process
- Requirements confirmation: project parameters, standards, and compliance matrix
- Photometric simulation: DIALux modeling with illuminance and uniformity verification
- Specification & proposal: technical spec sheet, BOM, and commercial quotation
- Sample approval: prototype manufacturing and client sign-off
- Mass production: full QC process (IQC / IPQC / OQC) with batch traceability
- Logistics & delivery: export documentation, freight coordination, customs support
- Installation guidance: manuals, wiring diagrams, and remote or on-site support
06 / Future trends shaping custom street lighting
The custom street lighting industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological convergence and urban infrastructure demands. Four trends will shape the next phase of development.
IoT integration acceleration
Connected lighting platforms like Signify's Interact City, deployed in Liverpool to achieve traffic-adaptive dimming with 30% energy savings, are becoming standard expectations rather than premium features. Future custom street lighting solutions will increasingly require built-in IoT connectivity as a baseline specification, with API integration to city management systems for real-time monitoring and adaptive control.
Solid-state battery advancement
For solar street lighting applications, solid-state battery technology promises higher energy density, improved safety profiles, and longer cycle life compared to current LiFePO4 batteries. This will enable smaller battery enclosures, extended autonomy periods, and reduced total system weight, particularly valuable for off-grid tropical and remote installations.
Multifunctional light pole integration
The San Salvador deployment of 141 smart poles, each integrating lighting, 7kW EV charging, WiFi 6, PTZ surveillance, and P5 information displays, represents a paradigm shift. Light poles are no longer just lighting infrastructure; they are becoming urban utility platforms. Custom lighting suppliers must develop engineering capabilities to integrate multiple systems within a single pole structure, including structural load analysis, power distribution design, and thermal management for co-located electronics.
Market growth and industry consolidation
The global outdoor lighting market is projected to grow from USD 19.5 billion in 2026 to USD 28.4 billion by 2030. As the market expands, consolidation is expected, with vertically integrated manufacturers who control optical design, structural engineering, electronics, and quality certification under one roof gaining competitive advantage over assemblers who rely on outsourced components.
Conclusion: partner with CHZ for your custom street lighting project
Custom street lighting solutions deliver measurable value across every dimension that matters to overseas project stakeholders:
Lower total cost of ownership via site-specific engineering.
Guaranteed regulatory compliance via CE / CB / ETL / TUV / ENEC++.
Optimized photometric performance via DIALux simulation.
Future-ready smart infrastructure integration.
CHZ Lighting brings together the capabilities that overseas projects require: 18,000 m2 of manufacturing space, 1,000,000 units of annual capacity, a 99.2% on-time delivery rate, four ISO management system certifications, ENEC++ / CE / CB / ETL / TUV product certifications, a TUV-witnessed laboratory with 30% improved testing efficiency, 20+ patents, partnerships with Fudan University, and a global footprint spanning 100+ countries and 1,200+ projects. With eight overseas branches providing localized support, CHZ is positioned to serve as a true end-to-end custom street lighting partner, not just a supplier.
Ready to start your custom street lighting project?
Get a free photometric simulation design and a tailored custom lighting solution. Our engineering team will run DIALux modeling and deliver an illuminance report at no cost.
Shanghai CHZ Lighting Co.,Ltd
Founded in 2013, it is a high-tech enterprise engaged in the research and development and production of LED lighting products.
Quick Links
CHZ Lighting Products
Contact Us
WHATSAPP: +86 159 2122 3752
Wechat: +86 159 2122 3752
SKYPE: jolina.li
Add: No.999, Shunda Road,Shanghai, China