Assessing the Viability of Solar Street Lighting: Considerations for Government, Municipal, Industrial, and Construction Projects

Commercial Solar street lighting has established itself as an extremely credible, and in some situations, providing significant cost advantages to mains powered lighting. This is being demonstrated again and again as we see more solar street lights being deployed for significant government, municipal, industrial resource and construction projects.

Solar lighting systems comprise the solar panel (photovoltaic = PV), that captures the UV (from sunlight), to create electricity, and then stores it in the battery. The ‘brains’ of the system is the solar controller, that initiates the light to turn on at dusk, and turn off at dawn, with options for variations of power throughout the night, or the use of sensors for dimming and boosting, if adaptive lighting is preferred. To comply with Australian and New Zealand standards (AS/NZS 4509 and AS/NZS 3000) any stand-alone power system with a battery capacity that exceeds 76AH 12v, requires clearly marked circuit breakers.  Solar lights can be permanent (typically using cage/pier footings), and temporary utilising a relocatable concrete block or trailer system. These arrangements are popular on road work projects, as the project progresses, the lights can be easily moved.

Assessing when solar street lights should be deployed instead of mains power fed street lights, the following points should be considered. Please note, we are defining solar street lights as completely stand-alone solar lights with their own solar panel and energy storage (battery). Therefore completely free from the electrical grid, therefore not requiring any trenching or cabling. Every project and location is unique, so these considerations should be looked at on a case by case scenario.

• How much shade is at the location of the light poles? If heavy shading is across much of the site, solar lighting may well not be an option. If there is only part day shading, or heavy shading on one or two, out of many light poles, solar may still be a very effective solution. With part shading, solar lighting can work if the correct de-rates are applied. Power in = power out, therefore the light in the part shade may need to be run at a lower wattage to ensure the constant and reliable all night light. Light poles in heavy shade can have a ‘slave pole’ running them, this is a pole with the solar panel in a shade free location, with an extra low voltage cable running to the light pole.

• A cost comparison needs to be conducted. This has to compare the hardware, the electrical design, trenching and cabling, and ongoing power costs for the AC powered lights, the solar lights need to factor in the hardware cost, installation and a battery change every 5 to 10 years depending on the battery type. For lighting projects where there is a long distance from existing mains power to the site,  and/or the trenching and cabling costs are high due to long distances, rocky ground that is cost prohibitive to trench, or perhaps foreshore lighting where the water can disrupt underground electrical infrastructure, solar lighting can provide a significantly lower upfront and total life-cycle cost.

• Solar lighting projects can often be designed, supplied and installed faster than 240v AC lighting due to the completely stand-alone and easy to assemble nature of the systems. As no electrical design, connection point to the grid, trenching and cabling works are required, this can reduce project delivery times significantly.

Community Perception: Strengthening Your Public Image Through Sustainability

A visible commitment to sustainability does more than reduce environmental impact—it also significantly enhances community perception and strengthens stakeholder relationships. Solar street lighting is a tangible demonstration of this commitment, showcasing forward-thinking, environmentally conscious values that resonate with the public and other key stakeholders.

Building Public Trust and Confidence

Communities increasingly value sustainability initiatives, and adopting solar street lighting sends a strong message about prioritising environmental stewardship. By choosing renewable energy solutions, organisations and local councils position themselves as leaders in sustainability, earning trust and confidence from residents, visitors, and businesses.

Fostering Positive Stakeholder Relations

For businesses, public organisations, and councils, demonstrating a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and adopting eco-friendly technologies can strengthen relationships with stakeholders. Solar street lighting projects can:

• Attract Partnerships: Collaborations with like-minded businesses, government bodies, or environmental groups become more likely.
• Encourage Investment: Sustainability initiatives often appeal to investors and funding bodies seeking organisations with a long-term vision.
• Support Regulatory Goals: Solar lighting aligns with national and regional environmental goals, showcasing compliance and forward-thinking planning.

Aligning with Community Expectations

Today’s communities expect proactive measures to address climate change and reduce environmental harm. Solar street lighting meets these expectations while providing tangible benefits such as improved safety, energy independence, and reduced operational costs. Public support for such projects often translates into higher satisfaction with decision-makers and governing bodies.

Visible Sustainability in Action

Solar street lighting stands out as a visible and practical demonstration of sustainability. With clearly recognisable features such as solar panels and standalone systems, it’s easy for the community to see the investment in renewable energy. The visibility of these installations makes them a powerful symbol of progress and innovation.

Key Benefits of Community Perception

1. Improved Public Image: Demonstrating environmental responsibility enhances organisational reputation and public goodwill.
2. Stronger Community Engagement: Sustainability projects encourage dialogue and collaboration with residents and stakeholders.
3. Positive Media Coverage: Solar projects often attract attention, highlighting the organisation’s leadership in sustainability.
4. Support for Future Initiatives: Success with solar lighting can pave the way for community buy-in on other sustainability projects.

By adopting solar street lighting, organisations can achieve more than energy savings—they can build trust, foster goodwill, and strengthen their reputation as leaders in sustainability. Orca Solar Lighting delivers solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but also make a lasting impression on the communities and stakeholders you serve.

In conclusion, solar street lighting systems have proven to be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to mains powered lighting in various situations. Before deciding to deploy solar street lights, it’s essential to assess the location’s shading, conduct a cost comparison, and consider the project delivery time. By doing so, governments, municipalities, industrial, and construction projects can make informed decisions to choose the most appropriate lighting system for their needs. As the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions grows, solar street lighting is expected to become even more popular, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.