The proper functioning of solar streetlights depends not only on the design but also on the correct placement, which can be key to achieving performance goals. Solar panels should be positioned toward the south (if the installation is in the northern hemisphere) to receive direct sunlight without external elements causing shadows. Otherwise, performance can be reduced by 30 to 60%. Therefore, in areas with surrounding vegetation, it is important to control the growth or expansion of tree canopies over the years to ensure that they do not affect the light received by the panel.
Pay attention to the angle of the solar panel
Another factor to take into account for correct performance of the streetlight is that the solar panel has the correct angle of inclination for the location area, this will allow better performance of the solar panel, getting the most out of its potential so that it can charge the battery.
Importance of streetlight components
The elements that make up solar lighting are quite durable over time, so with good design, malfunctions are unlikely. The component with the shortest lifespan in the streetlights is the batteries (in our case, LiFePO4 lithium batteries) with a lifespan of 5-7 years depending on their performance and usage. The batteries can be easily replaced. Solar panels have a lifespan of over 20 years, and the only aspect to consider in their maintenance is preventing dirt from accumulating and covering the solar panel, reducing its performance.
Under normal circumstances, environmental dust that accumulates on the panels is usually washed away by any rain that occurs. The most important factor to consider is that there is no industrial activity near the solar streetlight that generates any kind of suspended dust, ash, etc., which could accumulate on the panel and create a barrier effect that is difficult to clean naturally.
Solar controllers, if properly sized for the solar panel power, battery, and LED power, are components that rarely give problems. The most common malfunctions occur when a streetlight stops working after some time or cannot last through the night, indicating that the battery is nearing the end of its life and may need to be replaced.
Sometimes, poorly designed programming can cause malfunction, as the nighttime hours of operation and the energy consumption of the LEDs must be balanced with the installed solar panel and incorporated battery.
COVIMED Customer Service
COVIMED solar streetlights are designed, manufactured, and programmed based on the project, installation location, and customer's instructions to ensure optimal performance of the solar streetlight, maintaining a balance between LED power, solar panel, battery, and geographical location.
COVIMED SOLAR has a technical service to resolve any issues that may occur over time. Through the online mode, the Technical Manager at COVIMED SOLAR can assess the issue and provide necessary instructions to guide the customer or operator in its resolution.
