Light emitting diode (LED) technology is the most popular lighting trend for so many reasons. LED lighting products use less energy and produce much higher lumens than traditional light bulbs. Tiny light sources that we call LEDs illuminate when an electrical current passes through a microchip and the heat produced by LEDs is absorbed into a heat sink so that the heat dissolves into the surrounding environment.
This thermal management feature of LEDs prevents them from overheating, which is the highlight of LED technology and the secret of their successful performance. LEDs undergo lumen depreciation wherein the brightness slowly dims over time instead of burning out like incandescent bulbs. LEDs offer unique and innovative design opportunities and are incorporated into different light fixtures. LEDs are known as directional light sources as they can emit light in a specific direction.
Common LED colors are white, amber, red, green and blue. Colored LEDs are usually used as indicator lights and warm white and cool white LEDs are employed in various lighting applications. ENERGY Star rated LED products last 25 times longer and utilize at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. LED lights are widely used in street lighting and in most cases, the luminaire and the fixture are integrated into a single unit.
The silhouette of the LED street light depends on LED configuration, the heat sink used and the design preference. Either a few high-power LEDs or many low-power LEDs may be used to incorporate them into a light fixture. Heat sinks for LED street lights are similar to the ones used to cool computers and other electronics to facilitate the flow of hot air away from the light emitting diodes, which helps to increase the longevity of LED street lights.
The solar street light
LED is the most common light source used in a solar street light system as it consumes less energy and emits zero ultraviolet rays when compared to fluorescent and incandescent lamps. Solar lights with high-pressure sodium lamps require more energy for illumination. LED is the apt choice for solar street lights because they are durable and pollution free. Average working time of an LED light fixture is around 50,000 hours and they are less prone to failures.
Advantages of solar LED street lights
- Low energy consumption: LED lights are energy efficient and consume about 25% to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Long lifetime: The estimated lifetime of LED street lights is 10 to 15 years, two to four times the life of high-pressure sodium lamps.
- Accurate color rendering: LED lights offer precise color rendering which makes it easier for drivers and pedestrians to identify objects and obstacles on the road.
- Quick turn on and off: LEDs are capable of switching on with full brightness instantly without any flickering unlike fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps.
- Immediate restart: Unlike the commonly used light sources in street lighting such as mercury vapor, metal halide and sodium vapor lamps, LEDs restart immediately after a power disconnection.
- RoHS compliant: LEDs do not emit any poisonous gases if damaged and do not contain mercury or lead.
- Less attractive to insects: Conventional light sources release ultraviolet rays to which nocturnal insects are attracted to but LEDs do not emit ultraviolet rays and therefore, do not attract insects at night.
- Optically efficient: Unlike traditional street lights, LED lamps can send light in the desired direction without the need of a reflector.
- Reduced glare: LEDs direct the light downward, thereby reducing the amount of light directed into drivers’ eyes.
- Higher light output even at low temperatures: LED output is not affected during winter unlike fluorescent lights that tend to have lesser light output at low temperatures.
Solar street lights are widely used to illuminate pathways, public and private roads, runways, stadiums, courtyards, decks, etc. and are available in different designs and specifications. Solar LED street lighting is a sustainable, cost-effective, environment friendly and energy-efficient outdoor lighting solution and the components used in a solar street light system usually have a long lifespan. Therefore, LED technology is the ideal light source option for solar street lights. Based on the specific illumination area and light level requirements, you may choose your solar street lights after understanding the luminosity per watt, LED color, total number of LEDs used and the light distribution pattern.