Solar street lights
THIS WEEK, we respond to a question from one of our readers.
QUESTION
What is the purpose of the little plates above the lamps on some light posts? L. Minott
ANSWER
The little panels on these poles are solar panels and they convert solar energy (light from the sun) into electricity.
The panel can be mounted at an angle to maximise energy production, or horizontal, to reduce wind resistance, especially in a hurricane.
The electricity produced by the panel during the day is stored in a rechargeable battery which is either mounted on the pole or buried in the ground.
These street lights are usually not connected to any utility grid such as the Jamaica Public Service Company, and therefore, the battery serves as the only power source to provide lighting during the night.
Solar street lights are designed to work for the entire night, and many can stay lit for more than one night if the sun is not available for a couple of days.
Modern solar street lighting fixtures are typically LED, which uses significantly less energy than the traditional sodium lamps widely used locally.
Send questions and comments to, editorial@gleanerjm.com or jie@cwjamaica.com. You may also leave your comments for the Jamaica Institution of Engineers’ Technical Committee at our Facebook page: Jamaica Institution of Engineers JIE.