Is it possible to power urban illuminations with solar energy?
Some of our clients would like to be able to install festive illuminated decorations in a location where it is difficult or even costly to bring electricity, so we are frequently asked if we offer illuminated decorations powered by solar energy.
First, it should be noted that although the vast majority of illuminated decorations use LEDs, and LEDs are particularly frugal in energy consumption, there are currently no high-performance illuminated decorations that are specifically designed to run on solar energy, but there are still some solutions.
1. Non-illuminated festive decorations that reflect light
If the objective is to decorate a park or a trail in a park and these are mainly used during the day, there are more and more decorations that are embellished with patterns made using a 3D printer robot from recycled or bio-sourced plastic material. These patterns are available in a wide range of semi-translucent colors and give the impression that they are made of barley sugar.
Above, the floral arch E-Deco with patterns made using a 3D printer robot.
These decorations are very pretty, very aesthetic and the thematic possibilities are practically endless since the robot printers are able to produce custom patterns, whether for small or very large batches, but they are not illuminated decorations…
2. Solar power modules
Solar power is currently in vogue, and solutions are more numerous and accessible than ever before. Consequently, in some remote parks, one can now see electrical installations with lighting systems (streetlights) incorporating a battery that powers the luminaire and a solar panel that recharges the battery during the day. Although more expensive than a streetlight connected to an electrical grid, these solar-powered solutions can be economically viable if the cost difference offsets the expense of deploying an electrical grid to the location to be illuminated.
Above, the Collier decoration installed in Napierville, powered by our solar power supply module.
Photo credit: Viviane Hervieux
Knowing that some of our clients wanted to be able to install illuminated decorations in locations where electrical availability is not nearby, we approached a firm specializing in the development and manufacture of solar power supply modules that could power some of our illuminated decorations.
So, the answer to the question, "is it possible to power urban illuminations with solar energy" is now YES, but it is essential to fully understand the limits and constraints of using these solar power modules:
The performance of these modules is largely influenced by the duration of sunshine during a day and by the quality of the sunshine. Therefore, on a winter day without many clouds, a module can power up to two medium-sized illuminated decorations for a period of 8 hours. On cloudy days or when it is snowing considerably, it is possible that the module will not be able to power the illuminated decorations for those 8 hours that evening or even the next day.
Solar modules produce direct current (DC) rather than alternating current (AC), so it is essential that the decorations are designed to be powered by 24V and not 120V.
The solar modules can be programmed to turn on at dusk and turn off at a specific time in the late evening, for example, midnight.
For optimal operation, the solar panel must be installed facing South (due South); otherwise, the recharge will not be optimal, and the lighting period may be restricted.
Avoid shaded areas. That is, if a building of a certain height is located to the South of the solar panel, it will create shade and limit the module's recharge.
Solar modules sell for approximately $2,500 each. To make them profitable, ensure they will save you at least $2,500 in electrical installation costs.
Solar modules require minimal maintenance. It is generally necessary to plan to change the batteries after 6 years of use, but if they are used only during the winter season, a durability of approximately 10 years can be expected.
Conclusion
Solar power solutions are extremely efficient and now readily accessible. However, it is essential to ensure that the site where you want to install them is conducive to providing a respectable period of sunshine, and it is essential to meticulously follow the installation instructions and, above all, to verify where South is in relation to the installation project. Request more information; we will be happy to help you analyze the potential of your project.