You may have noticed that small flashing lights are installed on buildings, highways, and construction sites. They work without any wires. These are actually solar warning lights. Main aim of a solar warning light is to keep people safe & guide you about any danger.
If you are a traffic worker, safety officer or a municipal planner, this is important for you to know all about solar warning lights. That’s why we prepared this guide for you to explain all the basics of solar warning lights.
What is a Solar Warning Light System?
As the name suggests, it is the light used to alert you during hazardous or alarming situations. And the best part is you don’t need to provide electricity for this system as it is powered by solar energy. Even at night, the solar warning light runs on the energy it saved up during the daytime.
Components of Solar Warning Lights
Electrical manufacturers and specialized lighting suppliers use three main parts in solar warning lights: solar panels, batteries & LEDs. Each unit of solar warning lights works together to provide you with maximum visibility and performance.
Solar panels collect energy from the sun, which is stored in batteries. Hence, lights can still work even at night and during cloudy days. Further, LEDs are installed to give you bright indicator lights.
How Does Solar Warning Light Work?
Now we will see the 3-step process of lighting up your warning light.
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Light Collection
Firstly, the solar panels which are made up of crystalline material (maybe poly or mono) soak up the sunlight during the day. These panels or plates convert each ray of solar light into electric energy. In addition, it is important to note that the solar plates need regular cleaning for maximum absorption of sunlight.
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Energy Storage
After that, the electricity moves towards the rechargeable battery for the purpose of storage. You can either have a lithium ternary battery or lithium iron phosphate battery or Nickel metal hydride battery. The three of them have their own capabilities.
Like the first one has high electric energy density & the other one can operate safely at higher temperatures. Moreover, the last one is the most budget friendly option for you.
In addition, the controller is used here to regulate the charging, overcharging or discharging of the battery.
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Automatic Light Activation
When the sun goes down, a light sensor notices the darkness and signals the controller to activate the LED light. Here the flashing circuit is used that turns the LED on and off in a steady pattern. For example, the light illuminates in the form of a slow flash or burst flash to catch your attention.
In order to be visible from far away, the LED shines in bright red or yellow colors.
Types of Solar Warning Lights
As technology has improved, solar lighting systems have also changed. It comes in different types and features as well. The following are some types of solar warning lights:
Low Intensity (Type A) Solar Warning Lights
Low-intensity solar lights are the common type of solar warning lights. These lights are installed to mark lower obstacles. Plus, you can place them at buildings/cranes, towers, up to 45 meters tall.
They shine a constant red light, bright enough for you to be seen from afar. Additionally, In the low intensity category, there are further two types.
- Flashing Solar Lights: These lights have the ability to flash at regular intervals. You can spot them easily from a distance. It is generally placed at road construction sites and animal prevention zones.
- Solar Barricade Lights: You can use them where you want steady illumination to warn people about potential dangers. Moreover, it is also placed on barricades and safety blocks.
High-intensity (Type B) Solar Warning Lights
If we talk about the high intensity solar warning light, it is built for areas that need stronger visibility. Because, these lights are bright as compared to low intensity lights.
Mostly you need these lights at highways, busy roads & airports. By their help, you can also keep your drivers and workers alert.
- Solar Traffic Lights: With their help, you can easily manage vehicle flow and reduce accidents. Since they run on sunlight, you don’t have to worry about power cuts anymore.
- Vehicle-Mounted Solar Warning Lights: Well, you can install these lights on your vehicles. For example: trucks, buses, and emergency cars. They have high-intensity alert functionality to keep you and others safe.
Photocell Sensor in Solar Warning Lights
During the production process, manufacturers install photocell sensors in solar warning lights. It is actually an example of advanced technology. Basically, it works on the basis of automatic on and off systems.
As a result, you don’t need to control & switch these lights manually. In such a way, solar warning lights that have photocell sensors are more beneficials for you. Because it saves energy and ensures your lights are only on when required.
4 Benefits of Solar Warning Light
In the following points, you will read the main advantages of solar-powered warning lights.
Easy to Set Up
You don’t need any special wiring to install the solar warning light. Here, the wall mounting, bracket fixing or magnetic suction methods are used for its setup. And for these approaches, there is no need for electricians. You can do it on your own in just 5 minutes.
Low Upkeep Charges
The solar warning lights don’t need much care and attention. Its major parts, most importantly the battery, have a long lifespan (up to 5 years) and are built to handle tough weather conditions.
Therefore, there’s nothing to worry about. Once it’s set up, it can stay in place for years with a yearly maintenance cost of no more than $50.
Outdoor Adaptability
The solar warning system can work even in freezing cold, as low as -40℃. On the high side, it can easily run at 80℃ too. So no matter what the environment is like, this system has special features to handle it.
For example, if you’re setting it up in desert areas, it comes with a heat dissipation system and a dust proof layer. And for coastal regions, it has a salt spray-resistant film to protect it from corrosion. So, depending on where you use it, the system has different built in protections.
Green Energy
The solar warning light runs completely on sunlight. And for this reason, there is no need for grid power. On top of that, it not only saves your electricity cost, but is also an environmentally friendly option. You need to only let it charge during the day, and it lights up at night with zero carbon emissions.
Applications of Solar Warning Light
Below we will see how you can use solar warning lights in your daily routine. They help us in saving a number of lives on an everyday basis.
Road Construction & Traffic Safety
Mainly the warning light is placed at areas where construction is underway. Additionally, it is also used to highlight blind turns on highways or bridges for safe driving. In case an accident happens on the road, these lights are often placed on barricades to warn drivers and prevent further incidents.
Maritime Safety
For safe and easy navigation of ships and boats, these lights are fixed on docks and buoys at the ports. With this thing, the helmsman can easily stay away from dangerous marine areas and move in the right direction.
Aviation Security
You’ve likely passed by communication towers on which the flashing warning light is visible. Moreover, they are also fixed on runways and wind turbines to aware the pilot about coming obstacles.
Critical Situations
During natural disasters like typhoons or earthquakes, power often goes out. In these cases, solar warning lights are used to mark off dangerous zones. They are also helpful near fire hydrants or emergency exits to make sure people can see them easily.
Standards & Regulations For Solar Warning Lights
The safety organization IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and traffic authorities designed some laws for solar equipment. Therefore, it’s important for you to meet these legal requirements.
- IEC 62446-1 section regulates that you should take care of solar lights. You have to check the connection with the electric grids, too.
- IEC TC 34 section says your lights must be according to conditions where you want to install them. For example: LED and emergency lights have different purposes. So choose according to your needs.
- You should also follow the certification standard of your solar warning lights. This means you need to buy lights that are legally approved.
- Solar warning lights IP rating (Ingress Protection) also matters. You have to protect your lights against any kind of dust or water.
Final Thoughts
In the end, we hope now you have a clear idea about what are actually solar warning lights. You can see how they improve your safety and are cost-effective solutions for you.
If you want top quality solar warning light and a trusted supplier for your project, you can talk to Jackwin’s professional team. We have a large stock in our factory which is ready to ship at your destination. Our R&D engineers will also provide you customized solutions as per your needs.
FAQs
How Do Solar Warning Lights Work When There Is No Sun?
These lights use electricity stored in the battery during peak sunlight hours. The solar panels capture solar energy, convert it into electricity and then store it in the battery for later use. This is how the warning solar lights work in the absence of the sun.
Why is the Red Indicator Lit on my Solar Warning Lamp?
The red indicator on your solar warning lamp usually signals a warning (especially in construction or aircraft areas). However, it can also mean a system error or low battery. You should check the manual as well for these details.
What is Causing My Solar Warning Light to Blink?
If your solar warning light is blinking, it could be due to a low battery, a dirty panel, or loose connections. You need to check the battery and clean the panel to make sure they’re working well. If it’s still blinking, the battery might be old or damaged, so you should consider replacing it.
What is the Cost of Solar Warning Lights?
The price of solar warning lights generally depends on their size, type, and brand. On average, you can purchase them from $2 per piece to $50. But some heavy and advanced models may be more costly.
Do I Need to Maintain Solar Warning Light Regularly?
Yes, solar warning lights require your little attention if you want to maintain their functionality. You have to clean the solar panel occasionally. It keeps it free from dust and debris. Also, you should do regular checks for any battery & wire damage.
