solar street lights on cliudy day

How Do Solar Street Lights Perform During Extended Periods of Cloudy Weather?

When considering solar street lighting, one of the most common concerns is how these systems perform during extended periods of cloudy weather. At Orca Solar Lighting, we understand that battery selection plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent performance, regardless of sun exposure. Our commitment to quality and efficiency sets us apart as a leading solar lighting supplier in Australia, and here’s why.

The Battery Choice: Gel vs. Lithium

Battery choice is pivotal to the efficiency and longevity of solar lighting systems. For smaller products like the Avero and Vertex SL, we opt for lithium batteries. However, for larger, long-term projects, we exclusively use gel batteries made by Battery Energy in New South Wales. Gel batteries offer superior performance, with a lifespan of up to ten years. This longer lifespan and increased efficiency make gel batteries the ideal choice for larger installations, ensuring that our solar lighting systems continue to perform, even during prolonged cloudy periods.

Made in Australia, Built to Last

Our large-scale projects exclusively feature gel batteries that are made right here in Australia. These batteries are housed in robust battery boxes at the base of poles, ensuring durability and resilience. For instance, up to six  batteries can be housed at each site, guaranteeing long-term functionality. This focus on Australian-made products aligns with our commitment to quality, offering our customers reliable solutions that last.

Efficiency and Quality Over Quantity

At Orca Solar Lighting, we prioritise quality over quantity. Our business thrives on delivering robust, compliant solutions that require minimal maintenance. Each project is meticulously system-sized to account for geographic and weather conditions, ensuring optimal performance, even in less-than-ideal weather. This careful planning ensures that our solar lighting systems remain operational during extended periods of cloudy weather by storing enough energy to power the lights consistently.

System Sizing: The Key to Consistency

Proper system sizing is critical. Ensuring compatibility between the battery and solar panel maximizes performance, even during cloudy periods. Larger panels paired with appropriately sized batteries ensure the system runs smoothly, keeping the lights operational when sunlight is limited.

Intelligent Lighting Systems and Compliance

We often receive inquiries about intelligent lighting systems with features like motion sensors and dimming options. While these features can enhance performance, they are more suitable for pathway lighting than street lighting. Compliance and safety are paramount for roadways, where dimming could pose a hazard. Our focus is on delivering solutions that are safe, compliant, and efficient.

Weather Resilience

Our solar lighting systems are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, from high winds to fluctuating temperatures. We ensure that every component, from the poles to the solar panel frames, is built to last. For example, we use heavy-duty solar panel frames to ensure durability, even in harsh conditions. This attention to detail ensures that our products remain reliable regardless of weather extremes.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to innovate and improve our offerings, our focus remains on providing reliable, efficient, and durable solar lighting solutions. We’re not just about selling products—we’re about delivering peace of mind and quality that stands the test of time. When you choose Orca Solar Lighting, you’re choosing efficiency, reliability, and quality that endure, rain or shine. Our gel batteries, made in Australia, are a testament to our dedication to providing solar lighting solutions that perform, even during extended periods of cloudy weather.