Solar Street Light Battery

 
The battery that is used in most solar street lights is either lead acid or a gel battery. They are typically long-lasting; not bearing in mind their Chinese counterparts. In order for optimal functioning it is essential that the battery should retain at least a 75% charge. This function is carried out by the controller which regulates everything about the solar street light.

When there is no load on the street light such as during the day all the current goes directly to the battery where it is stored for later use. Deep-cycle batteries are a particular favorite for street light since they can handle big discharges without any problems.

Rechargeable Batteries And Their Types

• The lead acid battery is a common choice as mentioned before because it costs much less than the other batteries and is quite durable. Street lights are a common feature on roads and in order to make a great percentage of them solar-powered, lead acid batteries can really help cut the cost. They have a considerable lifespan and usually don’t need much maintenance.
• Nickel-Cadmium batteries are a more expensive alternative and they can tolerate very high discharge and are quite efficient. Their considerable cost however reduces their popularity limiting their use to more posh areas.
• Lithium-Ion batteries are thought to be the near future of solar energy which is why street lights are a good starting point. They do cost a lot however but they recoup the price in savings and performance. They are lightweight and easy to carry around and install.
 

Practicality Of These Batteries

The batteries used for solar street lights need to satisfy a certain criteria. They need to be weather proof, handle current well in storms and rain and keep functioning in difficult external conditions. As long as they are kept clean and no part of them has gone corrosive they can last for a decade or more. In the case of street lights however no one expects them to last that long as cheaper manufacturers are usually used to save money.
 

Advanced Solution

Some brands have come up with the idea of a ‘battery box’ which is essentially an all-in-one box which is kept underground far away from corrosive or harmful materials like water or mold. The battery in these cases is waterproof and it cannot be stolen as it would be hidden from the eye of the general public. These battery boxes also have the unique ability to control and regulate temperature to prevent damage to the unit itself. High quality engineering plastics are used for the battery so that it can take the heat and the excessive discharge and still operate efficiently.

The battery is portable and comparatively lightweight and if underground burial is not an option it can be attached as a power box next to the street light pole. Due to their high price point, manufacturers recommend not leaving them outside because they can be attached to a number of electrical appliances upon removal.