Solafrik Tech

TOP 7 POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING SOLAR STREET LAMPS

1.IP rating
*Outdoor use= at least IP65
*Indoor use=at least IP44

2.Solar panel capacity and efficiency
*Consider monocrystalline panels with 15-25% efficiency
*The panel should be large enough to meet battery and lamp characteristics.

3.Battery type and capacity
*Choose lamps with LiFePO4 and check the battery mAh or Wh capacity.

4.Brightness(Lumens)
*Choose lamps with the appropriate brightness for your application.
*Pathways(streets)=100-200Lm
*Gardens=300-600Lm
*Security=>700Lm

5.Lighting duration
*Ensure lamp can give 8-12 hour light after full charge.
*Check also charging time under full sunlight

6.Automatic features
*Check if the lamp has dark or motion sensors for energy management

7.Solar panel adjustment
*Based on your installation environment, choose lamps with fixed panels or adjustable panels.

HAPPY SOURCING

CAUSES OF EARLY BATTERY FAILURE IN SOLAR SYSTEMS

The Heart of every solar system is the Battery Bank.
The lifespan of battery banks depends on many factors such environmental,internal and technical.

1.Overcharging/Undercharging

Both over and undercharging of battery banks affects the lifespan of battery.

Overcharging produces heat which cause stress and shortens battery life.

Undercharging causes sulfation which reduce battery capacity.
Sulfation is the formation of lead sulphate crystals on battery terminals.

2.Poor quality charge controllers

Low or poor charge controllers affect batteries negatively.They don't regulate battery charging properly.

3.Improper battery sizing

Undersizing a battery bank leads to frequent discharge hence reducing the lifespan of the batteries.
Oversizing leads to slight discharge which often cause battery sulfation.

4.Depth of discharge (DOD)

Discharging a battery below it's rated DOD reduces it's lifespan.

5.High temperatures

High or very low temperature affects battery health negatively.
Batteries work well between 0-40°C.

To ensure your battery bank last for the guaranteed period,ensure to respect the above mentioned points.