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Ever drive down a back road in the middle of the night and think to yourself, “wow, this street really needs a few lights?” I recently went on a road trip and thought exactly that, going down a windy backroad that had new blacktop, no striping, in the rain, and zero lighting. It was definitely a white-knuckle drive through that area. My heart raced as each twist and turn loomed out of the darkness, and the reflective shine of the wet pavement made it even harder to navigate. At each curve, I couldn't help but wish for an occasional light to ease the tension. Maybe not fully illuminated, but an occasional light, especially on the sharper curves, would have been great!
As we drove deeper into the countryside, I noticed the complete absence of any street lights. This rural area seemed almost forgotten when it came to infrastructure, and the lack of lighting made it treacherous for anyone on the road. It got me thinking about the challenges faced by communities in these remote areas. Many rural areas like that do not have the necessary power lines available to install typical electrical lights. Instead of leaving these areas in the dark, making it difficult for travelers at night and unsafe for anyone walking, riding a bike, or other activities, there should be some form of illumination, even if minimal. This leaves solar-powered street lights as the best option. Here's why:
Standard Electricity Not Required
Solar-powered street lights charge during the day with the power of the sun and do not require any power from the traditional grid. This means that even in remote areas where electrical infrastructure is lacking or unreliable, these lights can still function effectively. The street lights then automatically turn on at dusk and can be sized to run all night for optimum safety for everyone on the streets. This is particularly beneficial in rural communities, where consistent and dependable lighting is crucial for safety but often hard to come by.
Since rural areas don’t require the same level of bright lighting as urban centers, lower wattages can be used to illuminate the roads. This reduces the overall system size and cost, making it a more feasible solution for budget-conscious municipalities. Additionally, the lights can be programmed to dim during the late hours of the night when traffic is minimal, further conserving energy and extending the lifespan of the system.
Another advantage is the use of lower Color Rendering Index (CRI) lights, like 3K or 4K. These lights emit a softer, warmer glow that is easier on the eyes of travelers, reducing glare and improving nighttime visibility without the harshness of higher CRI lights. This can make a significant difference in driver comfort and safety, especially on those treacherous, winding roads I experienced on my trip.
No Additional Energy Costs
Since the lights get all their power from the sun, there are no additional electrical costs for the city, county, or local residences. This makes solar-powered street lights an incredibly cost-effective solution in the long run. Traditional street lighting systems can rack up significant electricity bills, especially in areas where lighting needs to be on for extended periods. Solar lighting completely eliminates these recurring costs, providing a sustainable and economically viable alternative for rural communities.
Moreover, the integration of LEDs in solar lighting systems has revolutionized the industry. LEDs are now the most popular source of lighting because they are highly energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and offer excellent illumination. With solar lighting systems, maintenance has been significantly reduced to once every five to seven years, which starkly contrasts the frequent upkeep required for traditional lighting solutions. This not only lowers maintenance costs but also minimizes the hassle for local authorities who are often stretched thin with limited resources.
In addition, the use of LED street lights ensures consistent performance and reliability. These lights are designed to withstand various weather conditions, from heavy rain to harsh sunlight, making them ideal for the unpredictable climates often found in rural areas. The durability of LEDs means fewer replacements and repairs, further contributing to the overall cost savings.
Lower Installation Costs
Since solar-powered street lighting systems do not require the trenching of wires to bring in the electricity to each pole, they are able to reduce the overall costs for installation. Traditional street lighting systems necessitate extensive groundwork, involving digging trenches to lay down electrical cables, which can be both labor-intensive and costly. In contrast, solar street lights eliminate this requirement entirely. Instead, just setting the pole is all that is required, whether that is setting a direct burial pole or a concrete base for an anchor base pole. This simplicity translates to significant savings in terms of labor and materials.
Moreover, the installation process is quite straightforward. Since all the wiring is low voltage and is located at the top of the pole, it ensures that the wiring of the system is quite easy for the installer. This not only speeds up the installation process but also reduces the potential for electrical hazards, making it a safer option overall. The simplicity of the setup means that even local work crews can handle the installation, further cutting down on costs and time.
Additionally, the modular nature of solar street lighting systems allows for scalability and flexibility. New poles can be added or existing ones relocated with minimal disruption, ensuring that the lighting infrastructure can grow and adapt as the needs of the community evolve. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for rural and developing areas, where infrastructure needs can change rapidly.
Improved Safety
The improvement of visibility will provide additional safety for everyone on the road. It will lead to fewer accidents and less fatigue when driving down dark roads. There will be no more straining of the eyes to see into the black void ahead. Now drivers can see further ahead of just their headlights, giving them more advanced awareness of obstacles and hazards, allowing them to navigate the roads much safer.
Imagine driving through a dense forested area or an open field with winding roads, where the only illumination comes from your car's headlights. The unpredictability of such environments can be nerve-wracking, with animals darting across the road or unexpected bends that seem to appear out of nowhere. With solar-powered street lights strategically placed along these routes, drivers would have a clearer view of the road ahead, enabling them to react more swiftly and efficiently to any unforeseen circumstances.
Moreover, improved visibility isn't just beneficial for drivers. Pedestrians and cyclists, who might be using these rural roads, would also feel significantly safer. For instance, a person out for an evening walk or a cyclist returning home after dusk would be much more visible to oncoming vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents. The comforting glow of the street lights would provide a sense of security, encouraging more people to engage in outdoor activities even after the sun has set.
In essence, the installation of solar-powered street lights in rural areas is not just about illuminating the roads; it's about creating a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you're driving, walking, or cycling, the improved visibility offered by these lights can transform the nighttime landscape, making it a safer and more comfortable place to be.
Img Credit: One Eyeland