So, you believe in the solar-powered street lighting system. That’s good. This is the green energy that uses the heat of the sun as a source of power and electricity for urban and rural areas. Solar lamps also come with a huge number of advantages, but of course, they still have their disadvantages–like any other product or device.
Yet, as a client, you can use all of these things to your company’s great advantage. If you are a representative of the local city government whose aim is to install solar street lights in public spaces and parks, you can also do this just by asking the right questions.
Asking the Right Questions
As you come up with the decision of making a purchase of solar street lights, you must be careful in selecting the right solar light manufacturer and the appropriate type of street lamp that your building or space needs. How will you do this? One effective tip is to ask the right questions. Once you do this properly, you will have answers to most of your questions that will arise in the future, as you use and encounter some concerns about your solar lamps.
If the manufacturer satisfies you with favorable responses, then you can take that as your go signal. But before that, allow us to give you some tips as well as queries to ask your seller. These questions originated from the advantages and disadvantages of the solar-powered street lighting system.
1. How much can I save from solar street lights compared to standard lights?
You should have better monitoring and be in control of your solar-powered lighting system. In this way, you will get the most savings out of your clean and green energy. Ideally, you should not rely on a technician to check each lighting unit in case of any problem or malfunction. Implement the remote management system in your company. Make sure that you have the right tools in monitoring your solar lamps.
You can expect a high-quality light performance with higher reliability, brighter illumination, and reduced maintenance costs with a solar lighting system. Your solar light manufacturer should make an in-depth explanation of these things for you as their consumer. Over a long period, let’s say in 10 to 15 years, how much combined-savings can be generated from this system?
2. What is the expected ROI of the solar street lighting system?
There are five main categories that the manufacturer should discuss with you regarding the financial analysis of the solar lighting system: insolation parameters, installation, energy generation in kWh both monthly and annually, servicing and maintenance, and miscellaneous. Enquire regarding this to know the financial feasibility of your prospective lighting project!
3. What is the linear performance guarantee of the solar lights?
When we say linear performance guarantee, it covers the battery, the solar panel, the solar controller, the system electronics, the LED lights, including the pole. It’s good to ask about the long-term durability, function, and performance of each lighting unit. Make queries regarding the main components of solar LED lights to understand the product better.
4. What are the details concerning the replacement of batteries?
Since solar street lights use rechargeable batteries that need to be replaced at regular intervals, you can ask the solar provider how these batteries work and how much they cost (including the replacement). Discover what should be done and what shouldn’t be, as well as the effective ways of increasing the lifespan of the batteries.
You should also know that without proper monitoring and smart technology, solar batteries usually last for 3-5 years on average.
5. Do you have a cleaning service for the solar units?
Solar street lamps are susceptible to dust, moisture, and snow. As they pile up on the solar lights, they can diminish the efficiency and energy generation of the devices. Ask how often the panels should be cleaned, and if they offer a cleaning service for the units. Let them give you any advice on how to mitigate the situation caused by the external condition of the environment.
6. How long can the solar lamps operate under bad weather condition?
It’s not going to be sunny all year long, so be prepared to deal with the weather conditions during winter or the rainy season. It will be wise to ask the manufacturer about the length of time the solar lights can survive and operate without the heat of the sun. Generally, solar lighting autonomy can last for five days.
To address this concern, you can go for a solar controller that has back up grid power. It controls the amount of power generated from the electric grid to make certain that the maximum solar energy is prioritized and obtained first. Also, it ensures that the grid power is only hauled when needed.
7. How to install does installation work? Does the solar panel positioning affect energy generation?
The positioning of the solar panels matters a lot and greatly affects the amount of energy that can be drawn from the sun for the highest performance of the solar street lights. Keep in mind that you will need to know the installation guidelines so that you will be informed about the procedures and the time allotted for the process.
8. What are the preventive measures for lighting malfunction?
More importantly, ask about how to troubleshoot whenever problems arise. You wouldn’t need to call for a mechanic or technician all the time. Know how to fix things yourself or with the help of a group of utility men. Meanwhile, it will be best to have a solar street lighting remote management system that you can track online to monitor the functionalities of your off-the-grid system.
Ask the solar provider what measures can be done in order to rehabilitate the solar lights back to its normal state.
Conclusion
Asking the right questions will lead you towards getting the right answers. Before making a purchase, it’s important to get curious and make anticipative queries regarding the situations that might occur after the solar street lights have been installed. Apart from asking the basics, try to inquire about the things that you might encounter in the future, and about how you can benefit from your solar light purchase compared to the traditional light purchase. Good luck!
Also Read- 10 Most Efficient Solar Panels [The Updated Guide]