Solar Parking Lot Lights

[jmellc]

One of my bosses says he is looking into solar to replace a pole light we have had a lot of trouble with. Have any of you worked much with these? Does anyone make a solar fixture that can easily adapt to an existing pole? How much maintenance do they need? How long do batteries last?

Thanks for any help.

 

[rc/retired]

I never installed any, but a net zero development I inspected used solar light poles for street lighting.
The batteries fit inside the poles and after at least 6 years, they're still working and I've never seen anyone working on them when I drive by.
Pretty slick units. IMO.

Ron

 

[hillbilly1]

If the panel is mounted on top of the pole, I think there would be wind load issues if retrofitting. I’ve only seen one place use them, never been there by night to see how well they work. It’s a government public parking lot near a college, so cost was probably not an issue.