Home Solar lighting blog About solar lighting Autonomous Solar Streetlight: How Does It Work?

What Is an Autonomous Solar Solution?

An autonomous solar solution is a system that generates and stores its own energy from the sun. It consists mainly of a photovoltaic panel, a battery, a high-performance LED, and an intelligent controller. This system powers public lighting with no connection to the electrical grid. 

How It Works in 3 Simple Steps 

• Capture and Conversion of Solar Energy: During the day, the photovoltaic panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This process is entirely eco-friendly and silent.

• Smart Energy Storage: The electricity generated by the panels is stored in an integrated battery, specifically sized to meet your lighting needs. Sunna Design uses high-quality, long-life batteries to ensure optimal performance, even during cloudy periods. 

• Optimized and Automatic Management:  The intelligent controller automatically turns on the LED at nightfall. The controller also adjusts light intensity based on actual needs, ensuring energy efficiency and extended autonomy.

Quick Installation, No Need for Electrical Grid Connection

Unlike traditional lighting systems, solar street lights do not require a connection to the power grid. This means they can be deployed quickly, without heavy civil work (like trenching or electrical cabling). This saves time and costs, making them ideal for remote or high-traffic areas. For example, an iSSL Maxi Road from Sunna Design can be installed and operational in under 10 minutes. Perfect for roads and other areas where disruptions need to be minimized. 

Some models, such as the EverGen range, can also operate in hybrid mode. They are ideal for sensitive locations already connected to the grid, as they offer dual lighting assurance. If a power outage occurs, the battery immediately takes over. This was the solution chosen by Bordeaux Airport for its parking area, where some lights operate in hybrid mode.

Long-Term Cost Savings with Solar Lighting

Switching to solar lighting is a smart investment that reduces operational expenses. It eliminates several recurring costs: 

• No electricity bills: Solar energy is free and limitless. 

• Lower maintenance costs: Durable components and Sunna Design’s intelligent monitoring tools, SunnaCloud and SunnAPP, allow for proactive maintenance and optimized interventions. 

• Reduced civil engineering costs: No grid connection means fewer installation works and lower related costs. 

Smart and Adaptable Lighting for Every Project

Modern solar streetlights offer great flexibility. They can be tailored to the specific needs of each project and area through multiple features: 

• Lighting profiles: Program lighting hours and brightness levels according to local needs to avoid unnecessary consumption. 

• Motion detection: Sensors on solar street lights adjust lighting in real-time, optimizing energy use while ensuring safety for all users. 

Powering External Devices Directly from the Lamp Post

In a smart city, infrastructure must meet multiple and evolving needs. Modern solar street lights, like Sunna Design’s EverGen Rise-On, enable direct connection of electronic devices powered by the solar energy they produce. These systems offer several benefits for Smart Cities:

• Security cameras for public safety 

• Environmental sensors to monitor air quality or pollution levels 
• Decorative lighting, like in Bessens, where the town chose this solution for its local festivities. Read the full case study

What Are the Challenges of Solar Lighting?

Despite their many advantages, solar street lights face a few challenges: 

• Harsh weather conditions: Low sunlight can impact energy production. However, Sunna Design’s SunnaCore technology anticipates these situations by optimizing energy management. This expertise and high-quality equipment have enabled us to install our solutions in demanding regions like Canada and the Middle East. 

• Battery maintenance: It is still necessary but can be anticipated, thanks to SunnAPP and SunnaCloud. These tools, developed by Sunna Design, allow for preventive maintenance and provide a global view of the lighting network, facilitating performance optimization. 

Investing in Solar Lighting, a Strategic Decision That Pays Off

By choosing Sunna Design’s autonomous solar streetlights, you’re opting for a reliable, durable, and future-focused solution. Combining advanced technology, substantial cost savings, and environmental responsibility, our solutions are designed to meet the current and future needs of communities and businesses. With Sunna Design, you benefit from reliable, high-performance public lighting tailored to every project.