Disclaimer: The information provided here is of a general nature. Ramin Communications is not recomending the specific products mentioned here and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of information about specific products. Electricity is DANGEROUS and should not be treated lightly. Information on individual product packaging should be read carefully and understood before installation. The advice of qualified Electricians should be sought on specific requirements and installations.
Unlike CFLs, LED Lamps contain no mercury. For more on Fluorescent lamps and mercury, see end-of-life management and Mercury in Fish .
LED Lights have lower energy requirements and a longer life than Fluorescent and other lighting technologies, which reduce operation and maintenance costs. How and when we make the transistion to LED Lighting and when this can be solar powered now depends on the cost of the components and maintenance vs the cost of electricity.
Solar Power is the generation of electricity from sun light. Photovoltaics (PV) cells convert solar radiation into direct current electricity. Solar panels are composed of a number of PV cells.
Lighting is generally required, at night or where sun light isn't available. So, the electricity needs to be stored, in a battery, until it is needed. The alternative is to store the "fuel", eg water or coal is stored and used when needed.
The PV cells need to generate enough electricity, for the battery to store, to keep the light on for the time required. Another variable is the amount of sunlight available during a particular day.
The battery needs to store enough electricity for a few nights. The amount of electricity required for each night depends on the length of the night (longer in winter than summer) and the energy use of the lighting. Timers and Light sensors may also require energy to run.
So, we reach the point of balancing the difference components:-
* the lighting,
*
sensors/switches
* batteries
* PV cells
* length, regularity, frequency, variability, of use
* purpose of lighting (security, advertising, safety, emergency)
* alternative Energy Costs and
* Maintenance - testing, cleaning, replacement and displosal (e-waste).
Low temperature, energy use and long life is enabling product innovation in lighting design. However, direct replacement LED products are also emerging which improve on the light quality, maintenance and energy requirements of Metal Hydride, CFL, Incandescent and Sodium lamps.
"
Halogens contribute over 30% to your electricity bill. Halogens are 12v MR16 lighting that is installed in roofs. Halogens generally use 50 watts plus a transformer (uses between 10–15 watts). So each halogen light uses about 65 watts of power." - Downlights Comparison GuideBatteries store and discharge electricity through a chemical reaction.
Industrial Batteries:-Li-SOCL2, Li-MnO2,Li-SO2,Lithium-ion,Li-Polymer,Ni-Mh, Ni-Cd, Sealed Lead Acid. Consumer Batteries also come in a variety of forms to suit the energy and physical requirements of the device to which they are used from Alkaline batteries for Torches to more expensive rechargeable, higher capacity and longer life standard and custom batteries for Cameras, Camcorders, Laptops, Cordless Phones, Mobile Phones, Walkie-Talkies, Remote Controls, Emergency Lighting and Powertools. - Minmaxenergy
The choices are always on, manual switch, timer, light sensor and movement detector . Each suited to particular requirements.
http://ramin.com.au/eco-sydney/LED-Lighting-Solar.shtml © Ramin Communications 2010-2. Last modified 28 August 2013.
