PV lighting means lights powered by
electricity produced from the solar panels. Some popular examples include
pathway or garden lights. There are the
parking lot luminaries including solar panel on its top. Usually, such
stand-alone or off-grid systems have only a single power source that is SUN.
Hybrid and utility-connected systems
are very complicated because solar energy is blended with different power
sources. It includes wind powered generators, utility-generated grid and fossil
fuel-powered generators.
Night
time off-grid lighting applications
Solar energy is collected in a
single or more PV panels and stored in batteries. At night, the energy is
released to power the light sources.
Components
of PV lighting system
·
PV
panels
·
Electronics
(inverter, timer, switch, battery charge controller)
·
Batteries
·
Light
sources (lamps)
·
Luminaries
Initial cost of purchase and
maintenance cost (of several components) is high in comparison to grid
connected traditional lighting system. In addition, installing and designing PV
lighting system is more intricate than the conventional grid-powered system.
Vital
factors to consider while selecting PV lighting
Quantity
of solar irradiance
Solar radiation that the earth
receives is 1367 W/sq m. However, as the solar radiation traverse the air mass,
the amount reduces. Solar radiation means the radiant energy released by the
sun.
Solar irradiance means the radiant
flux amount on any surface. At sea level, solar irradiation is low. Generally,
low solar radiance becomes available as you move farther from the equator.
Weather too affects solar radiance for example it is longer in summer than
winter. Solar irradiance gets affected by trees, snow, buildings, and dirt on PV
panels.
Aesthetics
& structural concerns
Large PV panels can appear awkward.
Wind load and structural support has to be considered to avoid hazards. If you
decide to install small PV panels then both visual and structural worries will
be reduced, but power generating capacity of PV panels will be restricted. Learn
more about large and small solar panels visiting - los-angeles.solar
Cost
vs. performance
From users point PV lighting system
comprises of more components, so they are expensive than grid-powered lighting
sources. However, in regions where grid-powered electricity is unavailable
extending cable lines is very expensive. PV off-grid power system is a good
alternative to provide lights at a camp ground in the remote mountains.
Most
suitable PV lighting applications
·
In
remote locations like nature preserves, mountain areas, state and national
parks or towns & rural villages
·
Residential
garden or landscape
·
Parking
in remote regions
·
Waterfront
areas and docks
People can see the pathway properly
and can avoid hazards like falling or tripping. In parks and campgrounds, PV
lights are pleasing because they allow you to see and navigate safely in
appropriate direction.
Night time lighting applications
that need moonlight levels are basically well-suited for PV systems. Just a
small amount of DC power has to be stored in the provided battery.
The light can be used for a limited
period, at night. Thus, the solar panels chosen can be small, inexpensive and
can be easily incorporated into a luminary design. In addition, the cost of the
batteries is less.
